With development of the internet and Web 2.0 technologies, there is an increasingly large variety of online communities emerging.
So what are ‘online communities’?
Technically they involve the intensive use of electronic media for communication purposes, but in reality, the majority of us are involved in online communities on a day to day basis. Can you think of any examples of online communities that you are part of? I have recently become a devoted user of Trip Advisor, which allows me to share my ‘trip’ experiences (mainly holidays and restaurant reviews) with others all around the world; and that’s what it’s all about really, communicating and building relationships with others who share your interests, in a social context, and with the aid of internet technologies.
As a user of an online community, I don’t really acknowledge the technological aspects as in this modern age, electronics have become second nature; I can’t imagine life without it! Although the technological elements are obviously present and necessary, it is the social elements that are pivotal, hence why the success of online communities should be determined by social factors.
This was identified by Toral et al (2009) in their study which aimed to determine the most important antecedents for successful online communities. Although it may seem obvious that participation from the users is the key driver of the community, there’s actually a bit more to it than that.
The study concluded that the structure of the network is of the up most importance. By network structure I am referring to the difference between core members, active developers and peripheral developers, as each group have a different impact on the success of the online group.
via Learn how to improve the volume of engagement in your online community | Brigitta’s Blog ♥.