With COVID-19 precautions still in action, we are spending less time in person with people, and spending more time glued to our phones. In order to stay connected during this time to our loved ones or to keep in the loop with current trends, our digital devices are our number one source for information. With less opportunities to network and convene with those who have common interests, online communities have been developing strong presences across multiple platforms whether it be through Facebook Groups, Discord, or even Instagram.
Due to the reliability of social media to stay connected, online groups have been growing and engagement has significantly increased so that individuals could share their daily lives or common interests with others on the internet. With the need to be vocal and to share our daily lives, these groups facilitate a space to maintain and foster relationships, all while being physically apart.
Finding Your New Friends
Groups on a platform have been flourishing as demands for online communities have been increasing, due to the need for online social interaction. These groups permit individuals to continue making new connections from their digital devices. Applications such as Discord, has created a new realm of social interaction as many individuals are enabled to create their own online communities, or join one of their interests. Throughout the pandemic, the usage of Discord has increased significantly as many individuals are searching for spaces to connect with others through voice or chat. Discord provides online communities with a well organized platform to share their ideas or create discussion. The ease of interaction within Discord has prompted towards a new type of connection, a much more personalized bond. Discord has grown to be a platform which hosts discussions for career building, investment, video gaming, and much more. Due to the secluded nature of Discord channels as well, it has added onto a sense of exclusivity of a community, as members of a community must be invited through a custom URL and approved. Discord channels are not quite heavily moderated and are not available for the public to view, with this sense of exclusivity, it makes individuals joining feel as though they have been accepted into a social group.
A New Type of Advertising….Self-Promotion?
These groups for communications have been providing many with the company they are lacking due to the current circumstances with “social distancing”, but the usage of these online communities provide us with a space that allows us to continue socializing through our screens. The rise of these communities have also prompted a new sense of promotion, this being self promotion. As an individual slowly becomes well known in these online communities, they build trust and credibility. With the trust and credibility build, they are more likely to launch a service or product pertaining to the topic of the community. Due to the online community’s trust, they are more likely to receive attention from their fellow community members who are trying to support them. These online communities are great places to network and foster relationships for those who are self-starters and looking to develop a product or business within that niche.
Many small businesses have begun booming or raising awareness due to the help of these online communities. Charcuterie, DIY, and small restaurants have all benefited from these online communities where individuals share their products in development with the group, getting the group excited and well connected towards how the business is developing. Since these online communities target niche markets, this provides a space for these early-stage businesses to self promote themselves towards a specific targeted audience.
References:
https://www.dbltap.com/posts/tracing-the-widespread-adoption-of-discord-01ej78v0rsms
5 Responses to Physically Distant, but Socially Connected