Virtual communities

• Virtual community

  Digital social network where ppl only interact online, not offline
• Virtual communities (5)

  • Organised groups on SM e.g. FB groups
  • Websites giving users a virtual environment where they can make avatars
  • Networking - LinkedIn
  • Support - Mumsnet
  • Learning - Google Classroom
• What kind of tech can make participating in a V. Comm more complex?

  VR
• What 2 things can avatars offer their users?

  • Anonymity
  • Allow them to act out diff. social roles
• SA scandal in W. o. Warcraft's parent company, 2021

  Employees staged a walkout on July 28, 2021, virtually joined by other developers and players across the industry.
• AO2: Beth Noveck + digi. comms.?

  • Connects like-minded ppl BUT can facilitate hate groups
  • Ppl feel less alone + create bonds
• Van Dijck + digi. comms. in relation to identity + community?

  It's increasingly shaping them

  • Teens can't organise their social lives w/o it
  • News org.s use SM to share 'Breaking News!'