“Only Connect”—E. M. Forster in an Age of Electronic Communication: Computer‐Mediated Association and Community Networks

This article constructs a framework for distinguishing various types of computer-mediated communities and proposes research directions that may enhance future sociological inquiries into the social understanding of community networks as well as other computer- mediated associations.

Abstract

In this article, we construct a framework for distinguishing various types of computer‐mediated communities. Once that is done, we move on to the analysis of “community networks.” Community networks are systems that electronically connect individuals who also share common geographic space. Considering data gathered from 1994 to 1995, we suggest some problems concerning community networks as a locus of computer‐mediated interaction. In addition, we propose research directions that may enhance future sociological inquiries into the social understanding of community networks as well as other computer‐mediated associations.