Community vs Network

As I read the required text (Networked: The New Social Operating System by Rainie and Wellman) for my FSU Web 2.0 course, I find myself thinking about the concept of community vs network. I hear  quite a bit of conversation these days that seems to center around the loss of close-knit communities resulting from the overtaking of society by online communication. Many purport that current human connections and communities are diluted--shadows of what they used to be pre-web 2.0.

Rainie and Wellman make a great case for the new social network that is accomplished through online connections and communication. We have all read stories of individuals in trouble who were able to raise money, resolve problems, obtain vital information, and accomplish any other number of minor or major miracles by relying on their online social networks.

As a counselor, and as a human, I understand the deep importance of intimate human connection. Sustained eye contact, healthy physical touch, shared lived experiences are vital to human emotional and mental health. I do not believe that online communication by itself, and online networks, no matter how ideally developed, can provide for these basic human needs.

What I am coming to believe is that online networks can not replace close-knit human communities, but they can enhance human lives in significant, tangible ways. These networks can give us a wider range of resources to call on in times of trouble. They can be vast sources of information and support when our needs outstrip the resources of our communities. And, best of all I believe, they can help us realize how connected we humans really are--all of us, all over the world.

The bottom line is that we are best off when we have both: close-knit, well-nurtured communities around us and a well-developed online social network. Both take time and energy to build and maintain, and both are worthy of that time and energy. It is a lot to figure out and learn to manage, and we are all experiencing our struggles with it, but we will move through these growing pains as we always have before.

Bon voyage!