We have repeatedly discussed in this class that people are always yearning to communicate and connect, and the internet aids this desire. CMC has the power to promote engagement and participation. It makes it easier to congregate online and enables us to be more effective in our groups. The internet provides an accessible forum where groups can communicate, connect, draw attention to an issue, organize activities, and impact local communities and society (Rainie, et al, p. 31). It can also lead to connection offline, encouraging increased participation in the real world.
The formation of online groups is affecting our voluntary participation. It is easier to find groups and congregate in groups we are interested in following and joining. We can choose to participate from numerous options of our own interest, where we might be more likely to engage in relevant activities. This choice was made clear in involvement among the variety of age groups, genders, races, and socio-economic classes. Different groups cater to different people. The important factor is that people across the board are becoming more engaged, and they are able to watch the issues they care about and have the ability to converse in a positive environment that calls for more substantial dialogue. Involvement can affect perceptions, such as an increased sense of trust and faith in the ability to make a difference (Rainie et al, 13).
Many of the same qualities of social capital we discussed were crucial for online communities: emotional and social support, raising money or awareness (Rainie, et al, p 35). Internet groups provide us with the option of becoming more engaged with our society. If we are so inclined, we can connect to groups of our liking that provide the possibility of making an impact on society. The involvement with the group can foster a relationship with the community, bonding with those who have similar concerns. People often stay involved because they believe in the groups’ goals and can make a difference. (Rainie,et, 19) As more people stay involved, this leads to a greater potential for social capital, providing a wider the pool of resources.
I agree that group communication online can lead to connection offline. Online discussions offers an invitation to connect and through this connection it may lead to meeting in person, participating in activities to help someone else or maybe even changing your own life. The studies this week showed that many people have access to different group but may not actually take part in the group. Most people I ask why do the have certain SNS site response is because their friends have it. Think about all the good that can be done within the communities if all the people with the copy cat spirit continue to do thing just because other people does it.
It’s interesting to read about the correlation of positive attitude and trust with civic engagement. It could be a by product of the positive feelings associated with accomplishment. But I bet it has more to do with actually interacting with other individuals. We haven’t reviewed research on this topic, but I would conjecture that people who only get information about their community through news sources have a more cynical view point. In either case, engagement has rewards for both the community and the individual.
This is kind of the other end of the spectrum in regards to Mean-World Syndrome. The more you interact and see, the more you appreciate and understand the world around you. If your life is filled with positivity and are inspired by the actions of those around you, your perception will change. The Jansen article mentioned that people more active in groups were more trusting, optimistic of their impact on the community, and though highly of their community. This positive framing encourages people to stay involved and increase their participation in groups online and off.
1) I often find myself signing up for access to sites and then I never go back. Curiosity gets me every time but in actuality I don’t have time to manage several online “memberships.”
2) I agree that certain groups cater to certain needs which can be positive or negative. We discussed earlier on that the possibility for isolation and trends of discrimination can be perceived if there is not a good balance within a community.
I think with the groups people are able to bond over that common interest and it opens up the door for possible relationships. Whether the relationships be purely platonic or romantic, its possible for people in groups to meet each other and help each other meet the group’s goals.
This is very true. I have had similar experiences in the past where I felt a connection with someone in an online community. It’s an interesting phenomena, to be sure. Perhaps the anonymity of online communication makes people more trepidatious of surprises that might come from those relationships, even if “real world” relationships can be equally surprising.
I think that the internet has given our generation a lot of really awesome ways to connect with civic groups or different charities we are interested in. I definitely think there is the chance for offline participation with these types of organizations, much more so than just with making a random friend on Twitter. When these groups organize something, like a run or an auction or a rally, you’re much more likely to go if you believe in the cause.