A media course this term required being an actual member of an online community for a set period of time in order to relay and explain the rich culture that embodies virtual communities. We were to explore similar communities as well to better enhance our understanding.
I chose
Pinterest, We Heart It, and Photobucket, in which I was introduced to the wonderful world of sharing and appreciating photography.
The hectic lifestyle a student, family member, boyfriend, friend, and internee entails limits much of my free time. While I love my field of study, relationships, and job, I often miss the creative, free of pressure habits that life sets its damper. I find deep fascination and passion for art, even more so with the process of taking and viewing photos-which is why these communities were perfect for me and suited my interests.
I learned that there's positives and negatives to online communities.
Positives:
- Enhancement of knowledge concerning interest
- Sharing of your own knowledge concerning interest
- Feeling welcome among a group
- Career, innovational, professional opportunities
- Building personal profiles
- Boosting confidence and self-awareness
Negatives:
- Loss of human contact
- Potential decrease in reading and research ability
- Possibility of harsh and hurtful words and arguments
- Potential lack of confidence in person
- Fear/failure of eye contact
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