Group Three Conversation Starter, (Grace Laskowski, Alana Parno, Ryan Bruns)
“Influences on the Nature and Functioning of Online Groups” discusses the motivations
and personalities of individuals in a group, the differences between types groups and group
dynamics. McKenna and Green found that certain personality traits, like social anxiety and
aggression, play out differently in online as opposed to face-to-face interactions. Social anxiety
is not as apparent online because many of the factors that stimulate anxiety are not present
online. Aggression often increases online because of a decreased sense of personal
accountability.
In the second section, five types of groups are discussed: organizational, common bond,
common identity, stigmatized and support groups. Research has shown that online
organizational groups can result in greater distrust when it comes to negotiations because
negotiation partners assume that delayed responses signs of “stalling, power plays or disrespect”
(232). When comparing common bond and common identity groups, the authors note that
common identity groups play a larger role in group member’s behavior than common bond
groups. Participation in stigmatized and support groups can be very beneficial for those with
embarrassing or stigmatized conditions but requires active participation The authors suggest that
as members of an online become less attached to personal identity and accountability, the
group’s identity becomes more important.
In online groups, power is not as much of a central focus, which means that group
members participate more freely, regardless of their status. Leadership is less dependent on
appearance or dress and more so on prototypicality. Leaders are those who best represent the
group conduct and custom. Once the focus is off the physical traits, it opens up the floor for
more productive discussion. The reading ends with some insights on “virtual teams.” Virtual
teams have been quite successful in completing tasks, despite the fact that some have never met
face-to-face.
“Virtual Group Dynamics” gives us Turner’s 1982 definition of a social group. This
definition is different from other definitions of a social group because it allows us to include
virtual groups as well. His definition places emphasis on “the subjective state of togetherness,
we-ness, or belongingness” rather than the physical closeness. This article also talks about some
of the motivations for joining an online group. Reasons for joining online groups include, no
“real world” equivalent, the absence of time restrictions, common predicament among members
and reduced social anxiety and loneliness. Benefits of online groups over “real-world” groups,
include anonymity and the “lack of physicality” (119).
All groups must identify some sort of goal or task and fulfill the needs of its members. If
a group ceases to do so, it will dissolve. Members join groups, both online and virtual, in hopes
of gaining self-esteem and incorporating the group identity into one owns identity. Another
aspect of virtual interactions is that a person is more apt to like someone they meet online better
than someone they meet face to face. Online groups can also increase one’s social network by
allowing people to make new contacts and stay in contact with those that would be able to stay in
contact with otherwise.
1. “Virtual Teams” have to adapt to the virtual environment. The Dennis & Kinney
study found that virtual groups exchange “50% more of the vital information needed
to make an optimal decision.” What changes have you made to adapt to the virtual
world? (pgs 238-9)
2. In face-to-face interactions dress, appearance and body language play a large part in
determining group leadership. With those factors negated in second life
prototypicality becomes a determining factor. Why is prototypicality more important
in determining a leader in online groups than in face-to-face groups? (pgs 237-8)
a. What other characteristics are important in virtual leaders?
3. Many people who suffer from social anxiety excel in online forums because many of
the things that lead to those feelings are absent in the virtual world. Are there any
downfalls to online actions for people with social anxiety? (pgs 118 and 123)
4. Why are people more apt to like someone they meet online rather than someone they
meet face-to-face? (pg 123)