Types
of virtual communities
Internet
message boards
An online message board is a forum where people can discuss
thoughts or ideas on various topics. Online message centers allow users to
choose which thread, or board of discussion, users would like to read or
contribute to. A user will start a discussion by making a post on a thread.
Other users who choose to respond can follow the discussion by adding their own
post to that thread. Message boards are not conversation based because user
responses do not have to take place right away. Whenever the user revisits the
message board, he/she can make a response. Unlike a conversation, message
boards do not have an instantaneous response and require that users actively go
to the site to check for responses.
Anyone can register to participate
in an online message board. A message board is unique because people can choose
to participate and be a part of the virtual community, even if they choose not
to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Registered users can simply view the
various threads or contribute if they choose to. Message boards can also
accommodate an almost infinite number of users, while the number of users who
can be accommodated by a single chat room is limited at least in practice.
Internet users' urges to talk to and
reach out to strangers online opposes real-life encounters where people are
hesitant and often unwilling to step in to help strangers. Studies have shown
that people are more likely to intervene if they are the only one in the
situation. With Internet message boards, a user sitting at his or her computer
is the only one present in their online experience, which might have to do with
why they are more willing to reach out. Another possible reason for this is
that people can withdraw from a situation much easier online. They can simply
click exit or log off, whereas they would have to find a physical exit and deal
with the repercussions of trying to leave a situation in real life. The lack of
status that is presented with an online identity also might encourage people
because if you choose to keep it private, there is no label of gender, age,
ethnicity or lifestyle associated with yourself.
Online
chat rooms
Shortly after the rise of interest
in message boards and forums, people started to want a way of communicating
with their "communities" in real time. The downside to message boards
was that people would have to wait until another user replied to their posting,
which, with people all around the world in different time frames, could take a
while. The development of online chat rooms allowed people to talk to whoever was
online at the same time they were. This way, messages were sent and online
users could immediately respond.
Chat room users communicate through
text-based messaging. Most chat room providers are similar and include an input
box, a message window, and a participant list. The input box is where users can
type their text-based message to be sent to the providing server. The server
will then transmit the message to the computers of anyone in the chat room so
that it can be displayed in the message window. The message window allows the
conversation to be tracked and usually places a time stamp once the message is
posted. There is usually a list of the users who are currently in the room, so
that people can see who is in their virtual community.
By KINGALU AVIN
BAPRM 42697
No comments:
Post a Comment