In my research on online communities I was intrigued by the different perspectives on how online communities impact or create meaning in people’s lives. In research and many surveys conducted, for example by Pew Internet, indicate that over 85% of internet users in America have used a community at one time or another. In a recent article in CNN, it published that there are over 300 million users on facebook , which is just about the population of the United States of America. With these statistics I believe it is apparent that online communities have a huge impact in how were interact with each other, share knowledge, information, thoughts and opinions. Online communities have become the ultimate way of communication exchange.
I thought the findings from the survey in the article 'Beyond the diluted community concept: a symbolic interactionist perspective on online social relations’ to be very thought provoking. The 19-year woman who participates in spiritual online group thought her participation was just a good example of how telecommunications can be used to foster groups. I thought she completely removed herself from the personal impact that it has, whether deniably or unconsciously. After describing her activity in online communities as a forum to share ideas, learn about each, and occasionally argue; I thought it was a blatant contradiction when this interviewee responded to the notion that online activity can provide meaning in people’s lives by saying “I guess it’s not true for me, but if [other people] find meaning online, good for them. …but in the end, the Net isn’t going to change people. People will simply change it.” I believe in a circumlocutory way any exchange with others about thoughts, ideas, perspectives and feelings will change how you view the world in that moment, and especially if is a spiritual group as the one this interviewee was a part of.
Are most people in denial about the impacts of online communities in our lives? Have we become so susceptible to online interaction that it is just the way we live? Have we not taken a step back to realize and internalize the impression it leaves in our lives and how we co-exist day-to-day?
Although the episode I viewed on the Oprah Show about Nancy’s weight lose was a few years ago, the process of how she lose the weight created an imprint in my memory. In the previously mentioned article, another woman was surveyed who was 25-year-old and participated in numerous groups for three years. She felt a true investment in online community is socially undesirable and had the following opinion about whether online activity can provide meaning in people’s lives “I feel sad for someone whose life lacked meaning or was given additional meaning by getting online. The Net can help to meet people and it can be relaxing, entertaining and educational. But I don’t see what meaning it could add to someone’s life unless they are totally isolated from their offline community. In which case, they should use the Net as a step toward becoming a part of their communities and not as a substitute.” Now, is this true in the case of Nancy? Nancy felt isolated; she didn’t want people to see her obese state. However, mostly so, Nancy did not want to face the opinions of others. She was surrounded by the community of family, therefore not totally isolated from the world. I believe Nancy shun herself from judgment and ridicule which was fueled by lack of self confidence due to her weight. She found meaning though online communities, because for the first time in years people listened to what she had to say; the people she meet online cared about what she had to say; her thoughts and ideas had meaning again to others and yourself. Nancy regained her confidence which in turn gave her back the self love needed to lose the weight. In reference to the 25-year-old interviewee, she shared the perspective that online community is a symbolic confidence-booster, however Nancy unintentionally found meaning through her online activity. As most of us do in online communities we are involved in, once we participate, collaborate, and contribute we create meaning. It could be in the form of new acquaintances, opportunities, ideas, information, and increase knowledge – all change the way we think and do things.
“The idea of cybercommunity ~ We leave behind our bodies, and our prejudices and limitations associated with those bodies, to interact solely as minds in an unfettered environment” – Love this perspective!!!
Nancy’s weight loss story
Companies spend billions of dollars in advertising trying to woo your interests, but will online opinions on services and merchandise influence your decision making?
Check out the following links:
Recent Launch: PBS launches online education community
Good Resource: Building online communities
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