The Power of Virtual Communities

The online environment is an increasingly vital part of social life, and its importance is unlikely to diminish in the foreseeable future. It would be foolish to be complacent about its impact on human wellbeing. This report has been written in the belief that such a beneficial outcome is possible. It shows how groups on Facebook and other online platforms can create communities that give their members a powerful sense of connection and belonging. This report seeks to open a conversation about the role and impact of online groups and the factors that make some of them successful communities.