“”The pattern seems to be that those who use the Internet frequently are more likely to do voluntary work or to take part in voluntary organizations compared with infrequent users. (Pekka Ra¨sa¨nen & Antti Kouvo, LINKED OR DIVIDED BY THE WEB? Internet use and sociability in four European countries, section Civic Engagement)
Does the internet provide a new way to communicate, displacing traditional face-to-face sociability? Authors of the article review the different facets that suggest the internet strengthens forms of sociability by evaluating the two forms of sociability: civic engagement and interpersonal involvement. With frequent use of the internet, society becomes more comfortable as with anything that is done in a repitious fashion. “Practice makes perfect” it is said, and those that continuously use the internet begin to explore out of their circle and find other sites that might be interesting to them. With this “exploring” or some may be familiar with the term “surfing”, many stumble upon events, activities, or groups that are in line with their personal or business interests and join them. Volunteering can come in the form of being the moderator of a chat group, the leader of an online team, or perhaps even the scheduler of an event. In today’s society, it doesn’t always mean being physically present. Therefore, communication in cyberspace has taken on yet another role, hence, Civic Engagement.
Pekka Ra¨sa¨nen & Antti Kouvo (2004). Internet use and sociability in four European countries, section Civic Engagement. Retrieved June 8, 2008, from the Regis Library.
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