Something for Everyone

Traditionally, the word “community” has been used to define a group of people who interact in a common location and are organized around a common set of values. Although we are all part of a global community, our ability to engage and relate with one another has, historically speaking, been limited to a group of people whom we have access to geographically. As Internet usage trickles its way to even the most obscure and quiet corners of the world, our ability to form online communities has increased a tremendous amount. Social media is connecting users worldwide at an alarming rate, with Facebook alone estimated to have 1 billion users by 2012!

It only seems fitting that with the tremendous number of people using the Internet and social media to connect with one another there would be an equal number of interest-based communities to be found online. The human mind is complex, to say the least, and our needs and desires are span far and wide.  Social media and online communities can provide a valuable outlet to help us channel those interests and connect with people on an immense scale.

One question we must ask ourselves is what value do we seek when searching for an online community and what needs must be met? Is it a personal need or one for a larger and greater cause than our selves? Or Both?

Online communities, if able to tap their full potential, can be a catalyst for great social change. For example, consider the recent campaign “Let’s Move!” headed by First Lady Michelle Obama .

This campaign raises awareness for childhood obesity in the United States and how we, as a national community, can play a part in effecting change. However, what the “Let’s Move” campaign really does is tap the interests of parents, children, “foodies” and many other audiences. It provides value through information and helps integrate many different kinds of communities.

Our online communities don’t necessarily have to be for a political or social movement, however. They can be used by travelers to give feedback on recent trips and to provide advice to other adventure seekers.Or for a more non-traditional example, it could prove an outlet for cat lovers to post pictures of their furry friends in adorable (or perhaps strange) outfits.

Regardless of how they are used, online communities provide the public with an extraordinary platform for engagement. As a business or as a consumer, online communities will continue to provide entertainment, helpful information, political or grassroots movements and other essential connections.

What online communities do you choose to be a part of?

Written by Marcella Lentini

Find her on Twitter!

Tagged communities, global, nutrition, political, traveling