Thursday, April 26, 2007

Last try at community

  1. Community: Community is what is formed when individuals come together through face to face or facilitated interaction. It is based on a shared since of interest in the interaction and the exchange of something of value (knowledge, money, expression, etc.).
  2. Is community possible online? Yes. While online interactions make community more difficult because of the clouded ideas of trust, reputation and identity, it is still possible.
  3. Is online community part of the problem or the solution? I feel when it is used correctly and part of a balanced communication life it can help to overcome some of the gaps created in our society. For example, in my research project I found that there are needs in the grieving process that are difficult for young individuals to fulfill through traditional means of communication. I don't think online community is part of the problem, unless individuals are substituting actual real-world community for online community.