Communities can be described as groups of people who associate with each other (PSU WC, L11 p. 1). Communities evolved from hunter-gather groups in which our ancestors where apart of (PSU WC, L11 p. 1). Communities come in different sizes such as small, large, local, national, or international (PSU WC, L11 p. 1). Today, communities can be either face-to-face or virtual (PSU WC, L11 p. 1).
Community psychology is a discipline that emerged from both mental health and community itself (Gruman et al., 2017). There is not a single universal definitions of community psychology, however, Dalton, Elias, and Wandersman (2007) provided the most accepted definition (Gruman et al., 2017). “Community psychology concerns the relationships of individuals with communities and society. By integrating research with action, it seeks to understand and enhance quality of life for individuals, communities and societies” (Dalton et al., 2007, p. 15 as cited in Gruman et al., CH 12 p. 4). Community psychology revolves around core values such as: individual and family wellness, sense of community, respect for human diversity, social justice, citizen participation, collaboration and community struggles, and empirical grounding (Dalton et al., 2007, p. 15 as cited in Gruman et al., CH 12 p. 4).
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Towards-a-code-of-ethics-for-community-psychology-Ela-Mohamed/511082f9ebbaa7c4b1b3249ba52314e619bf296e
The internet as a community can be utilized as a source of help (Gruman et al., 2017). The push towards mental health treatment being administered in the community as opposed to hospitalization can be seen in various online communities (Gruman et al., 2017). Online communities provide both factual information and emotional support for people dealing with mental health disorders (Gruman et al., 2017). A study conducted by Winzelberg (1997) emphasizes the benefits of online support groups particularly for women suffering from eating disorders (Gruman et al., 2017).
A study conducted by Richards (2009) analyzes the benefits of internet delivered counselling. His study focuses on counselling services at Trinity College Dublin and the benefits of online counseling and whether or not students are satisfied with their service (Richards, 2009). One benefit that Richards (2009) highlighted was the fact that online counselling can facilitate community and allow interventions to act therapeutically for an online community of users.
To conclude, online communities are helpful when utilized correctly. Some of the most beneficial forms of online communities are support groups and online counselling. Seeking help through online communities offer various benefits: fast access, flexibility, and a sense of community. Because of this, more people are turning to the internet as a source of community.
References
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2022). Lesson 11: Community. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2177148/modules/items/33983560
Richards, D. (2009). Features and benefits of online counselling: Trinity college online mental health community. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 37(3), 231-242. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03069880902956975
This was really interesting to read to discuss the statistics behind how important or beneficial online communities can be. I have always really discovered for the most part that the indulgence of finding an online community can be more beneficial than negative. Simply because it is easier to find the people that you have similarities with and find more inclusive communities than you might in the towns around you. For example, I know there is a huge gaming community whether it be cards like games or video games. In the towns around me, there is only one place for these communities to meet and gather. Online, there are millions of internet locations for these people to meet and talk about their similarities and play games together. It is always interesting to read different viewpoints on the online aspect of life.
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE.