Virtual group dynamics.

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 individuals regularly accessing the Internet has increased exponentially. According to recent research 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. Interpersonal communication has become the primary use of the Internet at home (Kraut, Mukopadhyay, Szczypula, Kiesler, & Scherlis, 1998), and people are increasingly turning to the Internet to fulfill important social and psychological needs. One of the most basic interpersonal needs is to “belong,” to feel that one is a member of a group of others who share similar interests and goals, and to feel that one is a valued (and unique) member of that group (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Brewer, 1991). On the Internet, there are a wealth of venues where one can connect with like-minded others who share core interests and values and thus fulfill this important need. Chat rooms, newsgroups, electronic mailing lists, message boards, interactive games, and major interactive Web sites provide individuals with the opportunity to join existing online groups or to create their own. The various forms of Internet groups share many similarities with groups that exist in the