Online communities - The case of Tumblr

It goes without saying that we're all about part of numerous communities. With the Internet, our communities have extended to the online realm, to social networking sites (SNS) which unite people together based on a shared purpose, interest or need.

Many critics argue that SNS only foster superficial relationships, and that the Internet is a disparate reality, one in which communities cannot be effectively formed as compared to the 'real world'. Is this really the case? Let's look at Tumblr as an example.

Tumblr is a microblogging SNS where users share digital content with one's followers by 'reblogging' posts around the site. Users often create blogs based on certain themes and interests. For example, there are art blogs, grunge blogs and even food blogs.

Online communities can often empower disenfranchised groups, with a prominent example being the burgeoning Tumblr LGBT community. The community provides a platform for users to speak out against haters, to raise awareness, and to provide others with advice.

Critics argue that such communities are not 'real', existing only for a brief moment in the fast-paced online realm. Users are geographically distant from each other, rendering it difficult to maintain a proper relationship due to the asynchronous communication.

However, we believe that such communities offer a place of support and companionship for LGBT users who lack similar support systems in 'real life'. Apart from reblogging posts and promoting each other's blogs, users can forge friendships by chatting through Tumblr's instant messaging function.

Weak ties with such communities act as bridges between different social communities. They help us obtain information from a different perspective, letting us appreciate and empathise with people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, they enhance our online experience and strengthen existing relationships.

Forget the critics; we're all for online communities.

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Jerlene's Tumblr: www.snowskinned.tumblr.com

Kejia's Tumblr: www.visceral-.tumblr.com