Comparing Baym's Views On Communities And Network

In chapter four, “Communities and Network”, Baym focuses on online interaction and how it occurs, including communities and social network. Throughout this chapter, Baym stresses that the word community does not have one correct definition, but instead introduces five qualities found in both online groups and in many definitions of community creating online contexts. These five qualities include: space, shared practice, shared resources and support, shared identities, and interpersonal relationships. Online communities are an excellent resource for members wanting to share their common interest and space, obtain useful resources from other members of the community, gain a sense of self esteem and support while forming interpersonal relationships. Baym then further explains ways in which online interaction occurs on social networking sites. Baym debates …show more content…
The example which stuck out to me the most was when Baym talks about online groups and communities giving informational support, esteem support, and emotional support. She uses the example of a mother using a blog to talk about her baby since she was 29 weeks old until she takes a sudden death. This blog immediately became popular and people shared emotional support, as well as donated more than 20,000 dollars to a non profit organization called “The March of Dimes” which prevents birth defects. This one stuck out to me the most because I observe this type of support on Facebook all the time. Recently, a girl from my hometown was diagnosed with cancer and her family shared her story all over Facebook. Not only is this family receiving constant support from their Facebook friends, they are also collecting donations to help them through this hardship. It is crazy how one can feel so connected with people around them even though those people are not physically