Knowledge Expertise and Mass Amateurization on Internet-Based Knowledge Markets

This research proposes a formal framework of new knowledge expertise with mass amateurization and analyzes its impact on Internet-based knowledge markets. Specifically, the new definition of knowledge expertise consists of three major components: primary expertise, searching expertise, and learning expertise. Due to the effect of mass amateurization, questions posted by knowledge seekers on Internet-based knowledge markets are more likely to be answered by knowledge providers, resulting in more knowledge transactions to be consummated. This paper also discusses the impact of mass amateurization on different types of Internet-based knowledge markets. This research provides valuable insights for practitioners to manage knowledge markets with effective policies.