https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Virtual_communityVirtual community - Revision history2026-04-20T06:00:30ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Virtual_community&diff=5884876&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-06-05T19:59:08Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Platovterm1981.jpg|thumb|Platovterm1981]] [[file:Phpbb_3.0_prosilver.png|right|thumb|Phpbb_3.0_prosilver]] [[file:Xaric_screen_shot.jpg|right|thumb|Xaric_screen_shot]] [[file:Party_in_Hyrule,_Second_Life,_picture_2.png|thumb|Party_in_Hyrule,_Second_Life,_picture_2]] [[file:Ad-tech_London_2010_(5).JPG|thumb|Ad-tech_London_2010_(5)]] '''Virtual community'''<br />
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A '''virtual community''' is a social network of individuals who interact through specific social media, potentially crossing geographical and political boundaries in order to pursue mutual interests or goals. These communities can be found on various platforms, including [[Internet forums]], [[social networking services]], and [[online multiplayer games]].<br />
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== History ==<br />
The concept of virtual communities was first introduced by [[Howard Rheingold]] in his 1993 book, ''The Virtual Community''. Rheingold described these communities as social aggregations that emerge from the [[Internet]] when enough people carry on public discussions long enough, with sufficient human feeling, to form webs of personal relationships.<br />
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== Types of Virtual Communities ==<br />
Virtual communities can be categorized based on their purpose and the nature of their interactions:<br />
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* '''[[Social networking services]]''': Platforms like [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], and [[Instagram]] where users create profiles, share content, and interact with each other.<br />
* '''[[Internet forums]]''': Online discussion sites where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages.<br />
* '''[[Online multiplayer games]]''': Games that allow players to interact with each other in a virtual world, such as [[World of Warcraft]] and [[Fortnite]].<br />
* '''[[Virtual worlds]]''': Simulated environments where users can create avatars and interact with each other, such as [[Second Life]].<br />
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== Characteristics ==<br />
Virtual communities share several key characteristics:<br />
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* '''Interactivity''': Members can communicate and interact with each other in real-time or asynchronously.<br />
* '''Shared interests''': Communities are often formed around common interests, goals, or activities.<br />
* '''User-generated content''': Members contribute content, which can include text, images, videos, and other media.<br />
* '''Moderation''': Many virtual communities have moderators who oversee interactions and enforce community guidelines.<br />
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== Benefits ==<br />
Virtual communities offer several benefits:<br />
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* '''Social support''': Members can find emotional and informational support from others who share similar experiences or interests.<br />
* '''Knowledge sharing''': Communities can be a valuable source of information and expertise.<br />
* '''Networking opportunities''': Members can connect with others for personal or professional purposes.<br />
* '''Accessibility''': Virtual communities can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them inclusive and diverse.<br />
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== Challenges ==<br />
Despite their benefits, virtual communities also face several challenges:<br />
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* '''Privacy concerns''': Members may be at risk of having their personal information exposed.<br />
* '''Cyberbullying''': Negative interactions, such as harassment and bullying, can occur.<br />
* '''Misinformation''': False or misleading information can spread quickly within virtual communities.<br />
* '''Addiction''': Excessive use of virtual communities can lead to addictive behaviors.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Social media]]<br />
* [[Online community]]<br />
* [[Internet culture]]<br />
* [[Digital divide]]<br />
* [[Virtual reality]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
{{Commons category|Virtual communities}}<br />
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[[Category:Virtual communities]]<br />
[[Category:Internet culture]]<br />
[[Category:Social networks]]<br />
[[Category:Online communities]]<br />
[[Category:Digital media]]<br />
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