What is a virtual community?
A virtual community is basically a group of people, or members of the group, get together via internet communication. Some ways they may get in touch with each other include: e-mail, newsgroup, message board, video conferencing etc. As long as they are communicating on the computer it is a 'virtual' or 'online' community. Even though there is no exact deffinition of virtual community, in Howard Rheingold's book his deffinition contains the terms "social aggregation and personal relationship".



Why do people build and join virtual communities?
Socialize //
People in virtual communities are always receiving new members, so they are able to meet new people, and chatting within the group. They can do this by chatroom and/or message boards. People in these types of virtual communities offer share common interests, hobbies, jobs, etc.
Work together as a business //
Businesses are able to use virtual communities to help build teams that will work on certain tasks, keep in touch incase an issue were to arise, and they can even work on projects together through this communities.
Work together for a community group //
These types of communities offer message boards with forums for discussions for school groups, sports/activities groups, etc. This helps get more of the community involved and it will help keep you updated if your a busy parent of kids in several acivities.
Topical Conversation //
These types of virtual communities are for people who enjoy talking to other people who share same interests as them and/or people who may come for advice from others. This can include topics such as relationships, health, business & finance, music, international, movies, family, outdoor activities etc.
Please take this short quiz and see what you have learned about virtual communities!