The purpose of this thesis was to examine how two different groups use information strategies in their Facebook group activities. A qualitative study was made using interviews and a qualitative observation method. The observation groups consisted of two selected groups on Facebook and I interviewed three chosen participants of each group; a Gatekeeper, a Gateopener and a Lurker. Through the information strategies I examined the selected groups’ information environments. To reach my goal, the following questions were studied: which information strategies, within social media, do the groups use to achieve their goals and what are the characteristics of an information environment that has been created by a heterogeneous group, in comparison to a homogeneous group in their networking groups. The theoretical framework that was used to analyze the results of the study consisted of a model that was built of theories, literature and previous research regarding information strategies within heterogeneous and homogeneous groups, Facebook, open- and closed information environments, and Gatekeepers. The results of this study show that it is complex to ascertain whether a group is 100% homogeneous or heterogeneous, and whether a group is 100% closed or open and that there will always be factors and dimensions that cannot be defined as open or closed or homogeneous and heterogeneous. The results also show that a closed group with seemingly closed memberships is much more informal than an open group. / Program: Bibliotekarie

The purpose of this study is to examine the meeting between children in cults and personnel in Swedish schools and Child Protective Services (CPS). Furthermore, the study investigates whether children in cults who are being mistreated receive the help and attention they need from school and the CPS. This study has a qualitative research approach. Five semi-structured interviews with former cult members and professionals who have worked with children in cults were conducted. The interviews were supplemented with a content analysis of two autobiographies written by former cult members. The theory chosen was the general systems theory with the aim to use it as a tool to further understand how cults work as a system and how it affects the children in them. The results show that children who live in cults can be exposed to physical and mental abuse. Furthermore, it is difficult for professionals to identify children that have experienced abuse, due to the cults view of and approach to people outside their own community. Lack of knowledge regarding how to recognize these children in cults that have experienced abuse and non-existent training in how to handle said cases is one reason for why many children have been overlooked.