Virtual group dynamics.

An analysis of relevant aspects that make virtual groups similar to and different from nonelectronic groups is provided, and the ways in which Internet groups function are examined.

Abstract

The various forms of Internet groups share many similarities to groups that exist in the offline world, but there are also critical differences. The authors examine traditional definitions of groups and how Internet groups fit into those existing definitions. They provide an analysis of relevant aspects that make virtual groups similar to and different from nonelectronic groups, and they examine the ways in which Internet groups function. Individual motivations for joining online groups and the consequences of virtual group membership are also discussed. Over the past decade the number of individ-uals regularly accessing the Internet has in-creased exponentially. According to recent re-search by Nie and Erbring (2000) the number of Americans online has risen to 55%. Worldwide, the number of people using the Internet has risen above 450 million, and that number is expected to double within the next year. Inter-