Gps in Cyberspace

The Sociology of a 'Virtual Community

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3210041
AutoresN J Fox (0000-0003-2037-2664, University of Sheffield), Nick Fox (University of Sheffield), Chris Roberts (0000-0002-8889-5616, University of Sheffield)
Ano1999
Volume47
Fascículo4
Páginas643-671
Data de publicação1999-11-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Sociological Review (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0038-0261 • E-ISSN: 1467-954X
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/1467-954x.00190
OpenAlexW2149484377
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas28
Referências citadas39

It has been argued that on-line networked communication can enable the establishment of 'virtual communities'. Empirical data from an electronic discussion group for general medical practitioners (GPs) are used to evaluate these claims, and to explore the similarities and discrepancies between on-line and face-to-face interactions. A distinct social order for this 'community' is reported, and the strategies to establish this order in a textual environment are discussed. Participants went through a cycle of integration into membership, and some generated distinctive virtual identities or personae. The notion of a 'virtual community' is critically discussed. Participants interacted as if they were part of a community, but it is suggested that the interactions on the list are best understood as extensions of the wider social relations of general practice. The study of virtual communities may thus have relevance for wider issues of social inclusion and citizenship. The paper also includes reflections on 'cyberethnography', and suggestions for further research are offered

Citizenship · Cyberspace · Epistemology · Face (sociological concept) · Inclusion (mineral) · Order (exchange) · Political science · Public relations · Relevance (law) · Social relation · Social science · Sociology · The Internet · Virtual community · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Digital Communication and Language · Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Law