In our virtual world today it only makes sense that we have a virtual community. An online community where a group of people primarily interact via communication media such as email, instant chat or online forums or chat rooms rather than face to face. These communities exist for many different reasons, for social, professional, educational or other purposes.
Here are some of the types of activities that virtual communities support through online connections.
• Networking-One such networking group for virtual professionals is VANA ,a place where questions are asked and answered, topics discussed as well as the much needed social and lighthearted conversations take place.
• Socialize–There are virtual communities where you can meet new people, share stories and jokes. Communities like this often focus around bulletin boards and chat rooms. Tagged is an example of a social networking site.
• Special Interests-Virtual communities are helpful to people who share interests in issues and causes. Support groups are available for people dealing with certain diseases or even causes such as politics or the environment. Facebook is an example of a social utility that connects people with similar interests.
Virtual communities have several advantages over the traditional. Race, gender, age, and physical appearance are not important. Consider that people who have physical challenges that would otherwise make it difficult to not only venture out but form new friendships find that virtual communities treat them as they always wanted to be treated. In a virtual community we can go directly to the place where our particular interests are being discussed and exchange our ideas with those who share our same feelings. Virtual communities are an effective to learn, meet new people and broaden horizons.
