The modern lifestyle teaches us about the normality of being alone.
The Internet replaced the old face-to-face normality with the new one – one in which we don’t have to meet people anymore, to talk or see them. So, we embrace this new lifestyle conveying the illusion of having social activity, a group of friends, and belonging. While in reality, things are not the same anymore, and we find ourselves more lonely than ever.
To assess how serious things are on the Internet, we must ask ourselves:
- Who puts their shortcomings, problems, and failures on the Internet?
- How well can we get to know someone if they never expose their vulnerabilities?
- Who takes seriously the discussions and promises made on social networks?
From the very beginning, social networks have been seen as a space for fun, or as a cheaper way of communication, but by no means as a substitute for face-to-face interaction.
Why social media is not that serious?
Most of the time, people create an ideal profile on social networks, i.e. an embodiment of how they think they look or would like to be. This involves hiding the problematic and shameful aspects.
For this reason, most of us understand that on social media we only see a part of the person, not the whole. And if we want to know somebody completely, we will have to see this person face to face to listen to his/ her voice, to read the body language – to see real-time reactions, and not planned answers.
The need for a community
Each of us needs to be part of a group, be it friends or simply people who share the same principles, ideas, and interests. These communities usually form naturally: “The ones alike gather together”. However, strong people are needed to gather the group, organize it, give importance to each member, and establish activities of common interest.
What do communities look like?
A community can be:
- A group of 5 people, who either study or work in the same place;
- A group of 50 people, from the same village or city who have a common problem or the same passion;
- A group of 300-500 people, from a village, city, or different places brought together by an organization;
- And larger groups, mostly based on passions and beliefs. Here we are talking about sharing and promoting some religions, or some ideas and principles of life; or activities such as sports, dancing or painting, and others.
All these have one thing in common: these people know about the existence of the group, they associate with it, and from the moment they know they are part of this group, they feel stronger.
People, part of a community, usually meet with community members, talk, share experiences, and help each other. And through these communities, they are stronger.
The benefits of having a community
First of all, it is worth mentioning that communities create what Benedict Anderson called “Imaginary Communities”. Namely, communities where people do not know each other personally, but the simple fact that they know about the existence of the community and its values, gives them motivation and power to do inexplicable things.
In line with this, a community is important because it offers:
- Protection. Members of a community are usually protected by it, following the idea “no one should touch Ours”. People empathize with the cause, and some can go to great lengths to help someone they barely know.
- Socialization opportunities. As a rule, any community sets meetings and organizes events to bring its members closer. In these contexts, people get to know each other, become friends, and establish close ties for life. They exchange experiences, find their life partners, sometimes start businesses together, etc.
- A sense of belonging. Maybe at some moments in life, we have loved ones close by. Sometimes, however, it is not enough, especially for those abroad. They need somebody to talk and interact with, sharing the same values, culture, and ideas.
