The challenging reality of this age is that most of our community life is… online. Even some physical communities are strongly supported by their online connections. Some studies have been done showing how online communities collapse and flail:
- Negative comments about the choices of others (amped up by ‘anonymity’)
- Deviation from an accepted norm
- Echo chamber effects – some ideas or products are highly promoted, others disregarded. This creates an exclusion zone for individuals who have other preferences
- Self-appointed gatekeepers who control discussions about alternative views
What are the characteristics of successful online communities?
- Generosity. Sharing far more than taking. Supporting one another.
- A cultivated culture of collective experimenting and learning together.
- A few key principles, then tolerance for a wide range of non-core ideas.
- Acknowledging that sometimes we irritate or surprise one another, and we can still be in community together.
- Gratitude for being part of something useful and bigger than an individual.
Can you think of others?
These apply to in-person communities, and strong institutions as well. Worth pondering if you’re an opportunity space to create and build up communities.
