Advantages
Internet communities offer the advantage of instant information
exchange that is not possible in a real-life community. This interaction
allows people to engage in many activities from their home, such as:
shopping, paying bills, and searching for specific information.
Users of online communities also have access to thousands of specific discussion groups where they can form specialized relationships and access information in such categories as politics, technical assistance, social activities, health and recreational pleasures. Virtual communities provide an ideal medium for these types of relationships because information can easily be posted and response times can be very fast.
Another benefit is that these types of communities can give users a feeling of membership and belonging. Users can give and receive support, and it is simple and cheap to use.
Economically, virtual communities can be commercially successful, making money through membership fees, subscriptions, usage fees, and advertising commission. Consumers generally feel very comfortable making transactions online provided that the seller has a good reputation throughout the community. Virtual communities also provide the advantage of disintermediation in commercial transactions, which eliminates vendors and connects buyers directly to suppliers. Disintermediation eliminates pricey mark-ups and allows for a more direct line of contact between the consumer and the manufacturer.
Users of online communities also have access to thousands of specific discussion groups where they can form specialized relationships and access information in such categories as politics, technical assistance, social activities, health and recreational pleasures. Virtual communities provide an ideal medium for these types of relationships because information can easily be posted and response times can be very fast.
Another benefit is that these types of communities can give users a feeling of membership and belonging. Users can give and receive support, and it is simple and cheap to use.
Economically, virtual communities can be commercially successful, making money through membership fees, subscriptions, usage fees, and advertising commission. Consumers generally feel very comfortable making transactions online provided that the seller has a good reputation throughout the community. Virtual communities also provide the advantage of disintermediation in commercial transactions, which eliminates vendors and connects buyers directly to suppliers. Disintermediation eliminates pricey mark-ups and allows for a more direct line of contact between the consumer and the manufacturer.
Disadvantages
While instant communication means fast access, it also means that
information is posted without being reviewed for correctness. It is
difficult to choose reliable sources because there is no editor who
reviews each post and makes sure it is up to a certain degree of
quality.
In theory, online identities can be kept anonymous which enables people to use the virtual community for fantasy role playing as in the case of Second Life's use of avatars. Some professionals urge caution with users who use online communities because predators also frequent these communities looking for victims who are vulnerable to online.
By Alphonce Bhoke BAPRM 42527
In theory, online identities can be kept anonymous which enables people to use the virtual community for fantasy role playing as in the case of Second Life's use of avatars. Some professionals urge caution with users who use online communities because predators also frequent these communities looking for victims who are vulnerable to online.
By Alphonce Bhoke BAPRM 42527
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