“Surfing” Across the Seven Seas: Online Connections and Their Impact

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Man is a social animal. In the early days, he connected with others as a means of reciprocal altruism where he indulged in helpful acts to get repaid later. Now, he does so to stay ‘relevant’ and informed in this fast-paced, ever-changing society. Social connection across various cultures is a new trend where people can connect with various other people from across the sea through the use of advanced technology. Beneficial and fast, this mode of connection allows us to connect with anyone, anywhere and anytime with the help of a variety of tools and platforms, including email, chat, video conferencing, social media, and online forums. 

The importance of online communication peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which brought the world to an abrupt halt. From daily grocery shopping to the regular 9 to 5, everything was shifted to an online medium. Buying groceries from Big Basket was the new regular while Microsoft Teams and Zoom were the new workplace. Due to unfortunate circumstances, physical connection with people was replaced with online connection; hence giving rise to the domain of online communities. We belong to various communities, whether they are made up of our relatives, friends, or others who have similar interests to our own. It could be following an Instagram ‘guru’ who uploads beauty vlogs to an online YouTube channel which helps prepare for entrance examinations. Online communities replicate the same qualities found in in-person communities.

As mentioned before, these communities peaked during COVID-19, when people desperately started confiding in online meets. Getting married on Zoom and schools and universities conducting virtual exams was the most surprising aspect of the pandemic for me.

Health emergencies have a huge impact on a country’s economy and growth which forces people to adapt to change, here it turned people's lives digital. A study done by Zhang and Xiang explored the importance of information and social support through online communities during a health crisis. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, users of online communities have submitted messages asking for help, and other users have published and commented on those posts, resulting in user-to-user information exchange. Such interaction helped the needy get the required beds, oxygen tanks and other medical amenities that weren’t so easily available.  Social support, which contains informational support, emotional support, instrumental support, and social member support was the focus of this study. Their study aimed to understand social support during the COVID-19 period and gave a fresh perspective on how people seek assistance during public health emergencies by examining the impact of users' interactions with help-seeking material in online communities on the acquisition of social support. The results indicated that factors such as an individual’s personality, and intensity of online community use moderate the relationship between the individual and the interaction with others leading to a good social support system. 

Psychologically speaking, such communities can assist an individual dealing with disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse. Various studies have proven the benefits of social support for the recovery of such disorders as many find these communities a haven that is anonymous while also lending an ear to their problems. 

Additionally, research has demonstrated the enormous potential of online technologies in broadening access to professional services. The benefits include convenience where the user can log in whenever required. He has no restraints such as time and access to location as seen in the real world. Even the oldest method of assistance—helplines for suicidal individuals—worked on this agenda, by providing a fast, and easily available mode of help which can be accessed at any time of the day. 

The next beneficial factor is privacy,  as users can ask questions without hesitation, embarrassment, or fear of stigma or hate. These communities help them feel a sense of belonging in this world by connecting them to people who are like them, which makes them feel less lonely. It helps them realise their potential and provides them with the courage to take the next step in the recovery process. It's a mode of empowerment. For example, with the help of online communities and agendas and continuous effort put in by social movements, women now can fearlessly stand up for themselves and get the deserved basic human rights in this still-developing era of equality. 

Another research done in 2009, focused on using online support groups as a form of social support for people with eating disorders. They found out that such groups which are of low cost, and easily accessible, act as an important factor for the collection of information, advice and support which reflects in the patient’s acceptance and recovery. 

During the initial stage of the pandemic in 2020, the Governance Lab in partnership with Facebook, interviewed leaders of 50 Facebook groups and 26 global industry experts for a study of the governance and leadership of Facebook groups. The data from the study showed increased reliance and importance of digital media in connection. 

To conclude, humans are, were and will always be social animals that require social support to thrive and survive. Even with technological advancements, the human element will never be replaced. It can only be enhanced according to the individual’s needs and online societies are doing that exactly. 


References 

Admin. (2021). What is an Online Community? The Basics & Benefits. Higher Logic. https://www.higherlogic.com/blog/what-is-an-online-community/ 

Griffiths, K. M., Mackinnon, A., Crisp, D. A., Christensen, H., Bennett, K., & Farrer, L. (2012). The Effectiveness of an Online Support Group for Members of the Community with Depression: A Randomised Controlled Trial. PLOS ONE, 7(12), e53244. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0053244 

Hutchinson, A. (2021, February 24). New report looks at the rising influence of online communities. Social Media Today. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/new-report-looks-at-the-rising-influence-of-online-communities/595677/ 

LifeWorks. (2022, October 7). The value of online communities for mental health support - Heartbeat. US. https://wellbeing.lifeworks.com/newsletter-content/the-value-of-online-communities-for-mental-health-support/# 

McCormack, A. (2009, November 1). Individuals with eating disorders and the use of online support groups as a form of social support. https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/4228 

Zolkin, S. (2017, January 19). grayscale photo of person using MacBook. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/_UeY8aTI6d0 


About the Author

Muskaan Kalaria is a second-year student pursuing a BSc in Psychology at NMIMS SDSOS. She is passionate about creating art which is expressed in the form of painting, graphic designing and writing. Her passion for writing started as a method of expressing herself which later progressed into devotion towards scientific reading and writing. She enjoys her free time listening to music and exploring and reading about fascinating topics.


 

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