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Group Dynamics in Cyberspace

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Tue, 2006-01-24 15:56 — Marketing Fan

I just came across Mr. John Suler, Ph.D. who is Professor of Psychology at the Rider University - and found a lot of interesting articles published on the dynamics of online communities, or internet psychology in general.

Quote:
The experience created by computers and computer networks can in many ways be understood as a psychological "space." When they power up their computers, launch a program, write e-mail, or log on to their online service, users often feel - consciously or subconsciously - that they are entering a "place" or "space" that is filled with a wide array of meanings and purposes.
[...]
On an even deeper psychological level, users often describe how their computer is an extension of their mind and personality - a "space" that reflects their tastes, attitudes, and interests.

from the Psychology of Cyberspace

  • Level of Dissociation and Integration: The multiple aspects of one's identity may be dissociated, enhanced, or integrated online.
  • Positive and Negative Valence : Negative aspects of identity can be acted out or worked through. Positive aspects can be expressed and developed.
  • Level of Fantasy or Reality: One's online identity can be real-to-life, imaginary, or hidden.
  • Level of Conscious Awareness and Control: People differ in how much their unconscious needs and emotions surface in their online identities.
  • The Media Chosen: Different communication channels express different aspects of identity.

from The Psychology of the Individual in Cyberspace

and most interesting : Social psychology of online groups

Quote:

Groups ranging in size from a few people to thousands and millions within a “community” are forming within cyberspace. Many of the classic social-psychological principles of group dynamics can be applied in understanding and improving the functioning of these groups - such as issues concerning leadership, communication patterns, group boundaries, cohesion, alliances and subgroupings.
[...]
Every list (community) seems to go through the same cycle:

1. Initial enthusiasm
2. Evangelism
3. Growth
4. Community
5. Discomfort with diversity

then the interesting final stage

6a. Smug complacency and stagnation - the purists flame everyone who asks an 'old' question or responds with humor to a serious post; newbies are rebuffed; traffic drops to a doze-producing level of a few minor issues; ... etc.etc.
OR

6b. Maturity - a few people quit in a huff; the rest of the participants stay near stage 4, with stage 5 popping up briefly every few weeks;

from Group Dynamics in Cyberspace

Another REALLY old article from Wired - back from 1994 - Nine Principles for Making Virtual Communities Work is a good base read on the topic of online communities as well...