Virtual Communities.

By Kirsty Hawthorn

“A network of people with mutual interests who

interact in a conceptual space.”

Rheingold,H. The Virtual Community 1993.

901 million users per month $350 million

2012

Microsoft bought for $8.5Billion in 2011

$972 million in 2012

What is Second Life?Second Life is a 3D world where everyone you see is a real person and every

place you visit is built by people just like you.

Boyd, D (2008) defines social networking sites as web based services which allow users to;

1.Construct an identity and profile within a bounded system2.Create a list of users who they share a common interest with3.Ability to view connections of themselves and others within the system

10/01/2013 - 11:30:06The Health Service Executive aims to cut 4,000 staff this year as part of its plans to make savings of €721m, it was announced today.

Overcrowding making conditions “almost unbearable” in Galway hospital – INMO

Summary

1. What is a Virtual Community?

2. How is our idea of community changing?

3. How can a virtual community be used effectively?

• HSE• Surveys/research• Support groups

Questions and Answers

All images from www.commons.wikimedia.org