Why Online Communities Can Work

In 1995, only 1% of the world population has internet access. Today, the internet has reached around 40% of the world population, and the number of internet users keeps increasing everyday thanks to advancing internet and gadget technologies.

This means that regardless of geographic locations, communities can be created and sustained online, be it local or international. For people with limited time in their daily lives, the internet is a great way for them to keep in touch with their communities. It allows flexible timing, easy outreach via phones or laptops and is certainly more achievable than the conventional method of getting introduced on the streets. Another significant advantage of online communities is the increased ability to engage with under-represented groups of people. These groups exist in many communities, where the members may be too shy or too afraid of public antagonism if they reach out or speak out their views. Engaging community members via the internet also helps to increase background diversity as more people are inclined and have the resources to join the communities. Widening diversity range is beneficial for all parties, especially for local or neighborhood communities.