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Online Communities and Relationships

Image 1: Cyber bullying.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, there is a very distinct difference in how we act in an online community to IRL. The internet is a scary place; it offers an unparalleled promise of cooperation and communication between everyone. Sadly, instead of embracing something that has become a massive extension of ourselves, we seem to be reverting to tribalism and conflict. The biggest ongoing issue is Cyber Bullying. 

Normally we conduct our real-life interactions with strangers politely and respectfully, online we can be horrible. Hiding behind a computer screen or a mobile phone can give people a sense of security and will allow them to think it’s okay to send someone a nasty message like a death threat or racist slur. The real problem here is that people feel safe behind a screen as they most likely won’t have to deal with the consequences of their actions as you would IRL. The question is can we relearn the code of ethics and act in a way that is morally correct? If so, will we ever be able to find common ground and thrive together in online communities?

Image 2: Virtual Ability Island. 

On the Brightside, the internet can be a wonderful place that aids many people who struggle to communicate with people IRL. This week’s class involved a class discussion and exploration of ‘Virtual Ability Island’ also known as VAI for short. Virtual Ability Island is a destination on Second Life that created an online community for people with physical, mental, sensory, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Personally, I think this non- profit corporation is a great idea as sometimes we take for granted how easy it is for us to walk, talk or to be able to go outside to complete daily tasks in our everyday lives.

The internet allows people who have disabilities to thrive in online communities although it is not a perfect substitution for interactions IRL; its still something. Everyone who uses the internet deserves a safe space to allow them to express themselves freely. Online virtual worlds offer an online community that is enriched with educational, social and entertainment opportunities.

Personally, to have the opportunity to participate in an online virtual class allows me to feel more at ease as I’m the only person from my course taking this module. Getting to know new people can be daunting for me. Participating in class has helped me to be more outgoing IRL.

After completing this week’s readings, I learnt that the internet isn’t just the internet, it’s a global platform used by individuals also referred to as ‘digital citizens’. The internet has laws and digital citizens have rights, something I never thought about. Anything posted on the internet can spread within a split second. Sometimes its easy to forget that any information we use or read is attached to someone or something.

In the end, were all digital citizens and should follow the moral codes of how to act online and abide by laws when using the internet just like we would IRL. 

Bibliography:
  • "Virtual Ability". 2019. Virtual Ability, Inc.. https://virtualability.org/.
  • Noff, Ayelet. 2019. "Why People Participate In Online Communities". The Next Web. https://thenextweb.com/2008/05/24/why-people-participate-in-online-communities/.




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