Bowling Alone but Online Together: Social Capital in E-Communities

Abstract

In this paper, we present a non-technical overview of new forms of voluntary association called online (or e-) communities and explore the implications they present for community development theory and practice. E-communities are groups of people with common interests that communicate regularly, and for some duration, in an organized way over the Internet (Ridings et al., 2002). They are designed to provide users with a range of tools for learning, personal development, and collective action—all embedded in a complex, continuing, and personally enriching network of social relations. We pose several fundamental questions, including these: a) what are the key features of online communities? b) how do they compare to (offline) communities of place? c) how are they designed and developed? and d) how do e-community members use them to affect collective action? We define key terms related to online communities, place them in the context of broader Web cultural practices, and review emerging literature in online community development. We present findings from case studies of four very different active online communities. Social interaction in these communities was extensive, and surprisingly civil. Web site managers use a variety of community development practices to attract and retain members, and to establish community norms, trust, and collective resources.