how do cyber communitys differ from communities in the real world with regaurd to behavoir?
To understand how cyber communities differ from real-world communities in terms of behavior, let's first break down what each type of community entails.
Real-world communities refer to the physical communities in which individuals live, work, or interact face-to-face with others. They involve direct personal contact, shared physical spaces, and a variety of non-verbal cues that facilitate communication and understanding. In real-world communities, people engage in behaviors such as meeting up, attending events, interacting on a personal level, and experiencing the nuances of human interaction.
On the other hand, cyber communities, also known as online communities, exist in digital spaces on the internet. They bring people together virtually, regardless of geographical proximity, through platforms like social media, online forums, gaming communities, etc. Members of cyber communities communicate primarily through written text, images, videos, and audio exchanged via computers or mobile devices.
Now, let's explore the differences in behavior between these two types of communities:
1. Anonymity and Disinhibition: In cyber communities, individuals often have the ability to remain anonymous or create alter egos. This anonymity can lead to disinhibition, meaning people may feel less constrained by social norms and show behavior they might not exhibit in real-world communities. This can give rise to both positive and negative behaviors, from open discussions and sharing personal experiences to trolling, harassment, and cyberbullying.
2. Accessibility and Participation: Cyber communities allow individuals from all over the world to join, expanding the potential for diverse perspectives and experiences. Moreover, the virtual nature of cyber communities makes it easier to participate and engage with like-minded people, overcoming barriers such as physical distance or time constraints that often hinder real-world community involvement. As a result, cyber communities may foster more active participation and inclusivity.
3. Communication Style: Written communication, as opposed to face-to-face interaction, becomes the primary mode of communication in cyber communities. This alteration in communication style can impact behavior. Without non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice, individuals may misinterpret or misunderstand others' intentions or emotions, leading to conflicts or misunderstandings.
4. Permanence and Visibility: Unlike real-world interactions, cyber community behavior is often documented or recorded in some form. Conversations, posts, or comments can be permanently stored, shared, or revisited by others, amplifying the potential consequences of one's behavior. This visibility may influence people to be more cautious or self-conscious about how they present themselves or engage in discussions.
5. Formation of Echo Chambers: Due to the nature of online algorithms and the ability to filter content, cyber communities may inadvertently foster echo chambers, where individuals are often exposed to like-minded opinions, reinforcing their existing beliefs and perspectives. With limited exposure to diverse viewpoints, this can lead to polarization, where members of cyber communities may be less inclined to engage in open, constructive dialogue with those who have differing opinions.
It's important to note that these differences aren't absolute and can vary based on the specific cyber or real-world community in question. The behavior within these communities is shaped by a combination of individual traits, cultural factors, platform design, and community norms.