Social online communities often appear to be developed without boundaries. They emerge as a coming-together of like-minded individuals, in a forum to share thoughts, interact and play (Flew 2004). However, as can be evident in a number of online communities, there are plenty of boundaries.
Without the typical geographical restraints of most offline communities, online communities can incorporate people from all over the world. This globalisation, while integrating a diverse range of cultural opinions and perspectives, can also become “insular” (Bruns 2008), operating within their own boundaries, vehemently excluding divergent views. While this is narrow-minded and exclusive, the format of the internet can appear to promote this, as it is a forum where individuals are allowed to express their views almost entirely without consequence. This creates a number of problems, in particular where social groups support causes generally considered to be socially disruptive in their views (Bruns 2008).
It is not necessarily only that these opinions exist, more so that the creators of these sites are able to manufacture the illusion of fervent support, deluding the less technologically literate into believing their charade. Possibly an extreme example of manipulation, however there are a number of cases, in particular socially or politically active groups, who manipulate the use of the internet to create false support and isolate communities of opposing beliefs (Bruns 2008).
The importance therefore of social norms is highlighted. Communities develop these norms in order to aid productivity and harmonious interaction (Bruns 2008). These social norms can range from group connectivity and frequency of meetings to acceptable social practices and expression of ideas (Bruns 2008). Flew points out that interaction in these online communities seems to stem from a general “dissatisfaction with the limitations of ‘real’ communities” (Flew 2004, 69). In online communities members can create their own sets of rules and standards, not limited by society’s manufactured social norms.
Benedict Anderson also points out that this notion of virtual communities sharing and creating can be used to describe a much broader concept (2004). He also claims that this idea precedes the Internet, rather it relates directly to the idea of national cultural beliefs that all members of a nation share, sometimes unknowingly (Anderson in Flew 2004, 69).
Some believe that online communities should be an amalgamation of online and offline communities, not separated from each other (Slater in Flew 2004, 66). There is growing studies that support this theory (Dahlgren 2000, 339). As a member of a number of online communities I agree with this concept. I have a Facebook, Myspace, MSN, del.icio.us and now a blogger.com account. I use the functions of these interactive mediums to stay in contact with overseas or interstate friends; arguably this act is a subset of previous offline interactions. However I am also a member of an online gymnastics club, political party and Scrabble tournament via these platforms. Without the ability to find other ex-acrobatics gymnasts, or Scrabble enthusiasts I would lack this important social interaction. I now regularly catch up with an ex-gymnastics partner from 5 years ago, all because I had the ability to find her using these online communities. By combining my online and offline networks I am effectively extending not only my social network but actively contributing to my community.
Bruns, A. 2008. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 6 Podcast, Online Communities. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 15, 2008).
Dahlgren, P. 2000. The Internet and the democratization of civic culture. Political Communication 17 (4): 335-340. https://cmd.qut.edu.au/cmd/KCB302/KCB302_AR_82736.pdf (accessed April 24, 2008).
Flew, T. 2004. New Media: An introduction. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Welcome to the Mind of Lady Em
Vincent van Gogh said:
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."
For the life of me I can't write. I'm an awful speller and can't ever remember whether it's 'i' before 'e' or 'e' before 'i'. In fact at any particular time I have so many thoughts circumnavigating my head I may simultaneously combust! I've sat in front of the computer monitor for 10 minutes contemplating my first blog entry and low and behold even minutes after beginning I am already feeling less overwhelmed about the weeks to come.
As part of an assignment for university I am required to maintain blog with regular entries showcasing my opinions about unit topics. A challenge more suited to journalism students than me who couldn't possibly submit an assignment without spell-check! However I will endeavour to surpass expectation and provide an insightful collection of memoirs for Virtual Cultures.
That's enough fluff for today.
Until next post,
Peace out Precious!
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."
For the life of me I can't write. I'm an awful speller and can't ever remember whether it's 'i' before 'e' or 'e' before 'i'. In fact at any particular time I have so many thoughts circumnavigating my head I may simultaneously combust! I've sat in front of the computer monitor for 10 minutes contemplating my first blog entry and low and behold even minutes after beginning I am already feeling less overwhelmed about the weeks to come.
As part of an assignment for university I am required to maintain blog with regular entries showcasing my opinions about unit topics. A challenge more suited to journalism students than me who couldn't possibly submit an assignment without spell-check! However I will endeavour to surpass expectation and provide an insightful collection of memoirs for Virtual Cultures.
That's enough fluff for today.
Until next post,
Peace out Precious!
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