Question 1

Is the Internet a community? Does it meet the standards of what we traditionally have thought of as community and does it serve the function of bringing people together and raising their mechanical solidarity? Or, is the Internet an alienating form of communication that only keeps people apart and does not allow traditional senses of community to develop? Please argue your point with relevant examples.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Why do deviant groups such as self-injurers seek out supportive communities on the Internet? How do they find these communities? What is the nature of these communities? How do people identify with this community? Do you think that Internet websites for deviant groups is a good or bad thing? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

In the article by Putnam that precedes this one, he argues that gradually Americans have lost their sense of community and civic involvement. How does the research on cyber communities you have read about prove that Putnam may be misled in his worries? What do cyber communities provide that Putnam worried was lacking in society? Do you see this as a good or bad trend? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the article by Putnam that precedes...

Quiz 1: Sociological Odyssey: Contemporary Readings in Introductory Sociology