The rise of online social networking has enabled people to engage in social activities online. With the continuous advancement of network technology, online social interaction has expanded beyond simple information exchange, friendships, or casual chatting, and has led to the formation of numerous virtual communities. So, how do online virtual communities form, and what stages have they evolved through?
The Formation of Online Virtual Communities
Online virtual communities primarily consist of two components: virtual network space and virtual community members. Virtual network space is a social unit on the internet. Unlike real-world towns or villages, it is formed by a group of people gathering together and sharing the same information.
The participation of virtual community members is a key factor in the formation of online virtual communities. Virtual community members can freely communicate and share information and resources in the virtual network space, which fosters a high level of community engagement and promotes the formation and growth of virtual communities.
The formation of online virtual communities requires the following essential elements:
- Shared interests and hobbies
- Security and privacy protection
- Rich and diverse content
- The establishment and maintenance of social relationships
With these elements in place, online virtual communities can attract more members and gradually develop their own culture and values.
The Evolution of Online Virtual Communities
Online virtual communities have their own unique evolutionary stages, which can be divided into the following three main phases:
- Initial Stage
The initial stage refers to the initial establishment of online virtual communities. In the early days of the internet, social platforms began to emerge, and people began to socialize online on these platforms. During this stage, online virtual communities were relatively simple, consisting of a small number of people focused on a specific topic, and they typically communicated only through simple chats and discussions. During this stage, virtual communities were generally small, but they possessed a stable user base and unprecedented rapid growth.
- Development Stage
The development stage refers to the stage of development of online virtual communities. During this period, the membership of the virtual community has expanded, and the topics discussed have become more diverse and extensive. At the same time, the social tools and features within the virtual community have become more diverse, such as chat, sharing, and liking. During this period, online virtual communities continued to grow and develop, but some users, dissatisfied with the social platform's governance, chose to leave the community, resulting in stagnation or decline in community size. 3. Mature Stage
The mature stage refers to when a virtual online community has reached full maturity, possessing a stable user base, well-developed functionality, and a robust governance system. Furthermore, the passage of time has also fostered a unique culture, values, and norms within the virtual community. During this stage, virtual communities typically overcome the challenges of their initial and developmental stages, becoming relatively stable and mature social platforms that effectively meet user needs.