Virtual Communities and Social Networks

Heya all. In regards to Virtual communities im a member of a few online groups or virtual communities as they're called. Of course, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, I have an account on the infamous bebo. Though this blog has probably taken priority in recent times as my numero uno social network online. I find it a bit weird that some users can actually switch a virtual community for the a real-life community as the primary social network. Im actually unsure if I would treat a person who gives their online life amongst virtual communities and perhaps people they have never met priority over the real world. This might sound a bit harsh but i dont understand what the internet can give you as a social network that real like social networks cant. Or maybe that is exactly the point, they may prefer to socialise with complete strangers at a much more basic level as opposed to the depth a face-to-face interaction can have. I was also wondering if as technology develops and computers and the internet become more apart of our everday lives if maybe one day virtual communities will take over as the main form of social network. I think if this was to happen then users would mainly be staying in touch with people they actually know as opposed to complete strangers from kathmandu or some crazy far off place like that.

Anyhow, after the lectures, the readings aswell as a bit of research and thought, I feel I know what virtual communities and social networks are. I think that as Sophie mentioned in her blog it would be interesting to see if someone from a very far distant country, perhaps with a passion for communications, would be able to interpret and understand our blogs on the same level. Due to the almost unformal nature of some of the conversations that are taking place I think it may be a bit difficult.