Describe virtual communities and discuss their impact on civic engagement and participation in the real world.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Virtual communities are online networks where individuals perform as leaders, information and opinions can be shared, and strategies can be planned, priorities organized, and roles assigned. Research indicates that the use of media such as blogs increases civic engagement and participation in the real world. Online groups perform many of the same civic functions as offline groups, especially in the areas of mobilizing and political participation. In many ways, social networking sites spur activism that may not have been possible in offline groups.