64 CHapTER 4 of life, intentional communities can be business, school, church, or other groups that live, work, or at least meet in person. Many other interacting groups nowadays, however, are virtual communities, Theit members seldom, if ever, get together physically. Instead, they connect from a distance over the Internet: on computers, smartphones, and other wireless devices. Research into these kinds of groups is relatively new. Even so, some of their features are similar to those of real-life communities; others are very different. What kinds of “meeting places” online? Individuals might “get together” through e-mail, or in discussion forums; and in community areas within big social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. They may make use of blag pasts and comments, wikis (“websites on which anyone can change content"), or web widgets (small applications). And what features do these virtual locations have in common? First, they are likely to include print, audio, visual, and/or interactive content about topics of interest to members. Second, participants can probably communicate with “delayed timing,” as through e-mail or newsgroups. And third, people may connect in “real time”; through chatting, texting, or other kinds of instant messaging. In this way, people's interaction is like real-life networking. Just as in real-life social communities, members of virtual communities tend to participate in general “steps.” As an illustration, individuals might first “observe” from the outside. Second, they begin to take part as “newcomers.” If they participate regularly and contribute to community purposes, they can become committed “insiders.” “Full members” may turn into “leaders,” who take responsibility for others; their participation is likely to help keep the community going and growing. Finally, some “retirees” leave the network for various reasons: perhaps because of new relationships in different locations, changing interests, or problems in other areas of their lives. Or they may not have enough time, energy, or other resources to continue contributing. What do social researchers know about online communities? One general truth is that they tend to vary widely. For instance, there may be no people, only a few people, or a huge number of people involved in a site at any one time; they may participate for only a short time or forever. The level of “commitment” (caring) of “full members” is likely to differ greatly, too. So is the amount of time and energy they contribute: some people are doing something online virtually all the time; others take part only occasionally. Also, people are likely to be involved in different ways: for example, some only read or listen to the content but don't add any or much information of their own. And finally, the element that connects people in a network can be almost anything—a common identity, purpose, interest, problem, need, belief, experience, or another motivation. So why do virtual communities exist? How do individuals decide to enter and then stay in them—or keep far away from them? According to researchers, the three most motivating elements are “payback,” obligation, and social acceptance. First, the advantages of “membership” must turn out 2 20 4s