Sun, Na, Patrick Pei-Luen Rau, and Liang Ma. "Understanding lurkers in online communities: A literature review." Computers in Human Behavior 38 (2014): 110-117.

This study delves into the phenomenon of "lurkers" in internet culture, a group of users who frequent online communities but rarely engage in posting. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of lurkers by defining them, exploring the reasons behind lurking, and suggesting methods to encourage participation or "de-lurking." The study begins by establishing an integrated model of motivational factors for online behaviors, categorizing them into four groups: community nature, individual traits, commitment level, and quality expectations. It then identifies four primary reasons for lurking: environmental influence, personal preference, individual-group dynamics, and security concerns. Finally, the study offers strategies to motivate active participation in online communities, such as external incentives, user-friendly improvements, encouragement, and guidance for newcomers.