For the following commentary to be comprehensible, there must first be a discussion of relevant terms and definitions. First, the reader should consider the components of a community. Gruman and colleagues (2017) refer to research by community psychologists who proposed four components of what makes a sense of connectedness to others, and thus a community. First, there is membership. In order to have a community, there needs to be inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine who is in and who is out. Second, is the concept of influence, which is based on the idea of individual power within the community and inversely, the community’s power over the individual. The third component is integration and fulfillment of needs. This means that a person feels they can and are dependent on other members who are also dependent on the individual to share and receive what they need from each other. Finally the fourth component is a shared emotional connection which is exactly what it sounds like in the bondedness of members that usually is a result of some sort of shared experience or ideology.
Taking these components of what makes a person feel a sense of community, we can consider their application to a different type of community, the online community. Although they have been in existence since the early days of the internet, online or virtual communities became a pervasive reality in a big way recently. The concept of virtual communities was something that became prevalent in an unexpected way during the COVID-19 pandemic, when shutdowns were frequent and persistent. Folks often chose precaution over physical connectedness and whether it was using previously established communities or there was creation of new, online communities were thrust into the spotlight.
Yet another twist to the concept of communities and online communities is the idea that not all people use them in the same way. Gruman et al. (2017) discussed how this might be the group that could benefit from an online community the most, and it has been demonstrated that there is a connection between their presence in and online community and their wellbeing. Having a way to work around potential barriers to connectedness can increase satisfaction and again, be beneficial to people who live with disabilities.
To introduce another twist, online presence is not only about community and its connection, but potentially a romantic connection. Mazur (2022) has been at the forefront of researching how people with disabilities utilize virtual formats to date. It was found that discriminatory experiences were still had by those using online dating, but that this was balanced out for some by availability of interested parties. The disparity of experiences in online communities versus online dating could indicate the complexities that arise from being vulnerable when looking for romantic connection.
Overall, increase in popularity of online communities was seemingly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like communities that exist outside of the internet, there are multiple components that allow for someone to feel connected to a group. This connection might be more readily available for those with disabilities who use online communities to circumvent the barriers between them and in person connection. The benefits seen in online communities for this group does not have a direct translation to online dating, which research indicated was balanced by positive and negative experiences for people with disabilities.
References
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591
Mazur, E. (2022). Online dating experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults with disabilities. Sexuality and Disability 40, 213-231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09726-2
Hi there,
Yeah I agree, online communities spiked up when COVID 19 happened due to the time of crisis and isolation back then. It just shows how society was able to adapt to the situation people were dealt with in a time of need.
Being a part of, having an impact on, integrating and meeting needs, and sharing an emotional bond are all components of a sense of community (Gruman et al., 2016). Having communities online can bridge the gaps people with disabilities face.
Up till now, Mazur (2022) has led the way in studying how individuals with disabilities use virtual media; the fact that there is differentiation on experience online dating and online communities is very interesting to see as indeed people are more vulnerable when looking for a connection as you’ve stated. Being in other communities online, I can say that it is indeed very vulnerable position to be in not, not looking for love, but seeking a connection with other people like minded as myself. It can also be dangerous to find people that seem they have a similarity with but in the end they don’t have right intention. If people are curious they can try but they need to be careful as we don’t truly know a person until we actually meet them face to face; it’s crucial to exercise caution online like what we do in face to face.
Resources:
-Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US).
-Mazur, E. (2022). Online dating experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults with disabilities. Sexuality and Disability 40, 213-231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09726-2
Hey there,
Interesting blog! No one will fight you about the increased popularity of online communities in light of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. To add to your comment about how people with disabilities use these communities, there is one drawback to these communities I can attest to personally.
While online communities can be invaluable, it’s crucial to navigate them cautiously and seek out authenticity to truly find the meaningful connections we seek. When I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder in my teens, my doctor recommended I join a support group. However, the closest physical group was located 40 miles away, and as my mother was wheelchair-bound and unable to drive me there twice a week, we opted for an online support group instead. It was during this time that I encountered the term “Munchausen by Internet,” a phenomenon where individuals fabricate or exaggerate medical issues online to garner attention, sympathy, and support (Pulman & Taylor, 2012).Instead of finding genuine support, I found myself feeling inadequate and comparing my experiences to others in the group. There was a sense of pressure and self-doubt, as I encountered narratives of others seemingly achieving feats despite their conditions, leading to self-criticism for not achieving the same. The proliferation of these online support groups has attracted many “munchies” (2012) and their behavior undermines the genuine connections and support that people are seeking, ultimately hurting those with disabilities.
Pulman, A., & Taylor, J. (2012). Munchausen by Internet: Current research and future directions. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(4), e115. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2011
Hi,
I loved reading your blog! Online communities have become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical connections were limited. These virtual communities provide a sense of membership, influence, integration of needs, and shared emotional connection which was similar to offline communities. However, it’s important to note that not everyone uses online communities in the same way. People with disabilities, in particular, can greatly benefit from online communities as they provide a way to overcome barriers to association that may exist in offline settings. Research has shown that their presence in online communities can make their well-being look better and satisfaction. These virtual platforms offer a space where people with disabilities can find support, share experiences, and connect with others who may understand their unique challenges. In addition to general online communities, people with disabilities also are able to utilize virtual formats for dating purposes. Research has shown that while there may still be discriminatory experiences in online dating, the availability of interested parties can balance out these negative experiences. It is truly important to realize that the experiences of people with disabilities in online communities and online dating may be different, highlighting the complexities and vulnerabilities that can arise when seeking romantic connections.
Overall, the increased popularity of online communities, particularly during the pandemic, has provided opportunities for people with disabilities to connect with others and overcome barriers to social interaction. These virtual platforms offer a valuable space for support, shared experiences, and potential romantic connections. However, it’s essential to address any discriminatory experiences and continue to improve inclusivity in online spaces.
References
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/09/575352051/least-desirable-how-racial-discrimination-plays-out-in-online-dating
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591
Mazur, E. (2022). Online dating experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults with disabilities. Sexuality and Disability 40, 213-231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09726-2