Today's lecture certainly was an eye opener on the ideas that surround and that are behind virtual communities. To look further into the dynamics that flow through a virtual community, you must first understand some of the origins of the first and current popular cyber cultures that were behind some of the biggest virtual communities to date.
MUD; Multi User Dungeon, One of the first new big things where people of similar interests would gather and play in a text based fantasy role play dungeon game, Entirely text based so less so only simple beginnings of virtual community roots were raised.
To WOW; World Of Warcraft. One of the current new big things, where users play in a fantasy world, slay monsters and dragons, gain loot, partake in raids and share the experience and gold to improve their individual characters similar to that of a virtual individual identity, also commonly referred to avatars.
What makes these Virtual Communities so popular, so sought after, so desired? Most likely because where Reality Communities find restrictions, Virtual ones see no bounds. It provides a experience like no other, bridging people of all ages and ethnicity, cultures and beliefs a place to meet, a place to belong. Providing a link to people in all corners of the globe where distances mean nothing at all, *except lag*. In a Virtual Community it doesn't matter how big your pay check is, you have the ability and if you have the time you can attain quite some impressive amounts of sway or power in a Virtual Community that you are a member of.
These Virtual Communities are becoming so persuasive that users are becoming addicted to the nature of the Virtual World, that they become more detached from Reality. With the way trends are going, the idea of virtual communities is becoming more accepted within reality communities. Where current and new generations are using it less as a play pen and more of a tool for self growth. In a sense the Virtual Communities that are out there are actually reaching out of the the digital vale that they reside in and is adjusting culture development.
The power that is hidden behind Virtual Communities, where people can link together to share ideas on common interests, where people can connect and brainstorm in a more efficient manner is astounding. It provides a refuge for some and empowerment for others, in a place where rules can be adjusted and people can focus on one single idea or ideal the potential is phenomenal. Just think of the possibilities of Virtual Communities where people can link together some of the best ideas without distractions to achieve a greater goal.
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