Abstract
It’s common knowledge that social media has become integrated into many people’s everyday life. Many people use social media to communicate, find information, and share experiences. As society’s focus shifts to social media, online communities are becoming extremely important to allow individuals to form connections and find a sense of belonging. The nature of community is changing as access to social media is transforming the ability for individuals to connect with others to benefit mental health. Facebook is enhancing this transformation as the platform enables people to be connected globally through the convenience of communication with others by highlighting the term “networked individualism” (Hampton & Wellman, 2018). This allows individuals to find a sense of belonging in online communities as shared experiences and interests are formed. Facilitating online communication within communities impacts an individual’s psychological aspects of belongingness which is heightened as many people can find support within their community. The term “social capital” relates to a social organisation that facilities cooperation amongst community members, generating a conversation and forming connections through similarities (Shields, 2008). This benefits online communities as individuals feel more connected with each other, enhancing mental health such as anxiety and depression as a result of mutual respect and non-judgemental expression of one’s self.
Introduction
The widespread use of Facebook globally creates a communication channel for people to connect with others, share information and generate a conversation that benefits one’s mental health. The term “traditional community” as described by a group of people living in the same space or having similar interests has seen a change as new communication technologies are changing how many people interact with others, this is prevalent through the use of social media (Hampton, 2016). Social media has fundamentally changed the concept of community to facilitate human interaction without spatial limitations. Facebook enhances this ability for people to form communities online through posting content, commenting, sharing, creating and joining groups and pages, live-calling others, and participating in online events. Connecting people globally, Facebook is a convenient form of communication, helping people to enhance relationships and online community experiences. Emphasising that this connection with others online enables individuals to find a sense of belonging through similar interests and shared experiences. Being part of an online community benefits mental health specifically depression and anxiety, as individuals can express themselves freely and ask for support and advice within their community, increasing life satisfaction. Facebook connects people globally, creating a sense of belonging that benefits mental health.
Facebook Connects People Globally
Facebook connects people globally through the convenience of communication with other communities. Helping people to enhance relationships and online community experiences by strengthening existing community identities in online social interactions (Bhatti et al., 2021). Individuals are able to connect with friends and family globally without any geographical limitations, strengthening these connections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strongly connecting individuals through already established communities such as family and friends or developing new connections through similar interests provide opportunities for emotional support and a sense of belonging (Bhatti et al., 2021). A sense of community encourages equal interactivity between individuals online, enhancing connections, developed and new. This makes people globally more open and connected through similar interests and experiences, as individuals can share and express what matters to them by becoming a member of a community or forming their own (Priharsari et al., 2020).
(Hampton & Wellman, 2018, p. 647) introduced the term “networked individualism” which states the “introduction of new technology introduced transformations in how people form and maintain relationships”. This writing depicts that communication has changed for individuals as technology has transformed how people stay connected, facilitating a quicker and more efficient way to contact others globally. Technology especially social media in particular Facebook facilitates online communication at a distance which enables individuals to escape traditional networks and communities to branch out of echo chambers. This concept is crucial in understanding how Facebook connects people globally as technology has overcome spatial limitations as communication previously required face-to-face interaction to be part of a community but in the modern-day, individuals can stay connected using social media. Suggesting that individuals in online communities strengthen their relationships and connections through similar interests and opinions (Bhatti et al., 2021). A great example of a Facebook page that demonstrates global connection includes “Body Image Movement”. This page globally promotes and recognises everyone’s right to love and embrace their body (Body Image Movement, n.d). A shared view by many people who value self-acceptance, this group brings people closer together and builds relationships through meaningful interactions. The similar interest of loving and embracing your body connects people globally as common ground is found with like-minded people with no spatial limitation. As the value of acceptance is universal, members of the group anywhere can share their opinions and generate a conversation enabling new connections and interactions with the focus on wellbeing and belonging (Bhatti et al., 2021).
Facebook Communities Create a Sense of Belonging
A sense of belonging is a basic human need as humans are naturally social creatures, this is enhanced in online communities specifically on Facebook. Individuals belonging to an online community share similar interests without needing to be in the same location (Lin, 2007). Involvement and participation are crucial in enhancing an individual’s sense of belonging as Facebook gives people on-demand access to social relationships. (Lin, 2007, p. 122) further describes a sense of belonging as “the experience of personal involvement in a system or environment so that persons feel themselves to be an integral part of the system or environment”. Emphasising that people feel connected to others in a community that shares similar interests and values through support and social relations, allowing individuals to express themselves freely. Belonging is associated with psychological aspects with both cognitive and affective components through emotional and behavioural means (Lin, 2007). Individuals are able to communicate with others whenever they desire and are able to find support within their community.
Facebook encourages online involvement and participation in groups as individuals can ask for and give advice, share their opinions and generate an online conversation to strengthen their sense of belonging. Furthermore, belonging significantly affects an individual’s intention to participate in an online community. Individuals are more likely to participate online if they find use in the information of the group, this enables many people with similarities to comment about a particular topic and generate a conversation, thereby enhancing connections within the community. Although a connection is already formed as groups are created around a specific topic, personal connections can be created to further enhance an individual’s sense of belonging. Facebook communities need to focus on designing usefulness in their groups and attracting and retaining individuals (Lin, 2007). The above-mentioned example, Body Image Movement, further demonstrates a sense of belonging in a community through shared interests and values such as self-love and acceptance. Community support, solidarity, and cooperation when advocating this movement allow individuals to feel united and connected with members of the community. Motivation for belonging through social interaction is enhanced as individuals can relate to others in the group as they experience similar situations. Relating to the above-mentioned Facebook page, as individuals can ask for advice, relate to the experiences of others, and interact with positive messaging (Kang & Shin, 2021). This online interaction allows individuals to form connections through relatable experiences and motivations to help others, these important aspects of a community enable many people who value self-love and acceptance to find a sense of belonging. Shared experiences and emotional support from others enable individuals to feel emotionally connected on Facebook as relatedness to others increases feelings of belonging and benefits mental health.
Facebook Communities Benefit Mental Health
Online Facebook communities benefit individuals’ mental health specifically depression and anxiety as social connections are enhanced, creating a sense of belonging. Facebook has a variety of services such as pages and groups that provides individuals the opportunity to share their interests and communicate these in different communities through sharing resources and opinions (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021). Being part of a Facebook community decreases loneliness, increases self-esteem, and increases life satisfaction through the spread of positivity surrounding a certain community especially the promotion of mental health (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021). Shields (2008) defines “social capital” as “aspects of social organisation, such as civic participation and trust in others, that facilitate cooperation among community members”. Stating that this concept benefits online communities that have similar interests and directly feel connected to each other. Reinforcing that cooperation among community members is seen as individuals having the same opinions and perspectives. Feeling connected in a community promotes mental health by reducing anxiety and depression as a result of mutual respect that promotes self-esteem and belongingness (Shields, 2008). Bekalu et al. (2019) argue that different forms of social capital such as social connection positively impact an individual’s psychological well-being including self-esteem and life satisfaction as enhanced by Facebook communities. These online communities are an outlet for creativity and self-expression that reduces anxiety and depression as individuals can better understand themselves and process emotions.
Many people who value mental health find a sense of belonging through security and support when there is acceptance, inclusion, and identity within a certain community. Furthermore, individuals find a vital social connection if they live in remote areas, have social anxiety, are a marginalised group, or the elderly. Facebook overcomes these barriers of distance, knowledge, and time to connect and reconnect with others and thereby strengthens social support, access to information, and expression of interests to benefit mental health (Bekalu et al., 2019). The emotional connection that benefits mental health is seen in online communities as individuals can express themselves easier and openly in a safe space as they know people in that community have similar experiences. This helps to develop meaningful relationships within the Facebook community with the emphasis on connection and belongingness that decreases isolation associated with anxiety and depression, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (Bekalu et al., 2019). The Body Image Movement example enhances social connections and reduces anxiety and depression. This page interacts with a range of individuals who value self-love and acceptance with a focus on benefiting one’s mental health. Social interaction within this community strengthens relationships as instant connectivity is seen among individuals that have shared experiences. The availability of emotional support enhances feelings of belongingness and connection which reduces anxiety and depression (Sharma & Khadka, 2019). Collaborating with others increases social interactions on Facebook and individual expression that benefits mental health.
Counter Argument
Many individuals may argue that Facebook has negative impacts on many people’s mental health specifically anxiety and depression as it can lead to loneliness, body image dissatisfaction, and decrease life satisfaction (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021). However, Facebook acts as a crucial form of communication for individuals that live remotely, marginalised groups, individuals with social anxiety, and the elderly. Access to social interactions with communities that share similar interests and experiences reduces loneliness as a sense of belonging is formed through maintaining connections (Bekalu et al., 2019). Furthermore, Facebook has several groups and pages that promote positivity surrounding body image such as “Body Image Movement”. This page is globally recognised and promotes that everyone has the right to love and embrace their body (Body Image Movement, n.d). As a shared opinion by many people who value embracing their appearance and self-love, a connection is automatically formed within this community due to similar experiences and opinions. This community is formed and strengthened through sharing the same perspective on appearance and people can share this identity. Positive messages enable members of the community to feel good about themselves which enhances a sense of belonging and connection, reducing anxiety and depression (Sharma & Khadka, 2019). Lastly, Facebook has several groups and pages that enable individuals to express themselves freely and openly increasing their life satisfaction. If individuals don’t find a group they feel a connection to, they can easily create their own group and find others with the same interest. This enables individuals to create and maintain connections with others in their online community sharing their own experiences and generating a conversation, thereby reducing anxiety and depression (Priharsari et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Access to social media has transformed the term community as many people have shifted to online communities. Facebook has facilitated this transformation through the emergence of communities through creating and joining groups, live-calling others, participating in online events, commenting, sharing, and posting content. Connecting people globally as communication is convenient and readily available to enhance relationships and community experiences. This connection creates a sense of belonging to the community as individuals share similar experiences and interests. Connection and belongingness benefit many people’s mental health especially anxiety and depression as they can freely express themselves and have access to support and advice within their community. Hopefully, as online communities continue to develop, individuals can see how they can connect and find a sense of belonging in online communities to benefit their mental health.
Access to PDF – A_Dimacali_CommunitiesAndSocialMedia_ConferencePaper
References
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Hi Andrea, as someone who has battled with mental health I agree that online connections can provide a sense of belonging and a safe space for people suffering from depression, anxiety or isolation. I think some people don’t feel heard or supported enough by friends and family who haven’t experienced mental health issues themselves and so finding an online community of people who understand is so important. People that suffer from depression/anxiety often isolate themselves even if they need support due to lack of self-worth, feeling unmotivated or social anxiety as your paper mentions and so the option to reach out online and feel accepted by others in a similar situation can be life-changing and life-saving. I will say that making friends in the physical world that have experienced mental health issues has helped immensely but having the option to chat with these friends online via Facebook or tag each other in a relatable meme or inspirational quote is another way we give each other support. Such an important issue, thanks for the read.
Hi Monica,
Thanks for engaging with my paper, I definitely agree that some people don’t feel heard or supported by family or friends that don’t have a full understanding of mental health. Online support communities and the ability to reach out to people with similar experiences are certainly life-changing and life-saving. Although you do raise an important point that making friends in the physical world is helpful, online communities give people a different avenue to form connections and find support without the stigma as the topic of mental health is more embraced online. Thanks!
Great paper, Andrea. Communities online can definitely help minimise feelings of loneliness and depression, but to play devils advocate, I would say this is only beneficial if one already has a healthy social life. One would argue that online communities further encourages socially anxious people to stay home and only interact digitally. They are not learning social skills and physical interaction which are essential parts of life. It could end up debilitating them more than it helps them. What are your thoughts?
Hi Chloe, thanks for engaging with my paper. You raise a very valid point and for some people staying at home and only interacting digitally isn’t beneficial for them. However, from a young age, we attend school and other activities that enable us to experience meaningful human interactions to form connections. As someone that continues to battle with my mental health, I have definitely learned important social skills through my everyday life, school, and university but online communities that provide support have helped me to realise that I’m not alone and so many people are going through the same experiences. These online communities that give advice, share opinions, and generate an online conversation, have enabled me to find the support I need that I couldn’t find in the physical world. An online platform also enables people to remain anonymous to a certain extent when asking for support as they might not be comfortable discussing their mental health openly yet. Thanks!
That’s very true, school does provide a good social atmosphere for anxious people to engage in communication and be part of a community. I would agree with you, I think social media can be a great place for people to feel a part of something bigger, as long as they are still going out into the real world.
I definitely agree, a combination of real-life experiences and online social interactions is crucial as social media continues to grow and becomes ain important form of communication.
Hey Andrea, your paper was really interesting to read, I do agree with online communities are able to help others in time of need however, people will often say they are depressed or have anxiety without a proper diagnosis because they can relate to others in these online spaces or selectively read what on the internet about depression and anxiety leading many to self-diagnosis is a issue for me as many people use mental health as an excuse just before they feel stuck. Mental health in online spaces is very big issue for many around the world and there are services to help people with mental health issues but more is needed but there are many services people are able to speak to people and join like minded people to help and have a community.
Hi Matthew, thanks for engaging with my paper. I somewhat agree when you state that people often say they are depressed or have anxiety without a proper diagnosis because they can relate to others online. However, these online avenues provide people with support who aren’t necessarily ready to talk openly about their mental health or aren’t ready to be ‘diagnosed’ and just want support. I definitely agree that more is needed but the continuous growth of support groups online is a great start to normalise people talking about their mental health. How do you think services can improve in providing support?
I agree with you, social media has allowed a safe spaces for people to talk about themselves and support other but I believe that moderation is needed to ensure bullying is not happening on these platforms. To improve these services are useful, definitely moderation is required to protect people using these services.
hope that answers your question.
There’s no doubt that moderation is key to preventing bullying and negative comments although there is a range of support groups to counter such hate. What do you think Facebook can do to moderate this?
Andrea, thank you for your paper on this very important topic. It is clear that a sense of belonging is essential for human health and that social media is providing an alternative space for people to look for connection. Your paper covers similar territory to my own – “Finding your tribe: social media as the key to community, belonging and wellbeing for the gifted” (https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2022/csm/377/finding-your-tribe-social-media-as-the-key-to-community-belonging-and-wellbeing-for-the-gifted/) which discusses the important role social media has played in enabling a small sector of the population to connect, create communities, grow their sense of belonging and improve their mental health outcomes. Similarly, Samuel Claydon’s paper “Disability and communities: social media gives disabled people a way to find a community to call their own” (https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2022/csm/749/disability-and-communities-social-media-gives-disabled-people-a-way-to-find-a-community-to-call-their-own/), also discusses how individuals who are excluded or set apart from the majority use social media to enhance their social interaction, belonging and health outcomes. Despite coming from different points of view, it would seem that these three papers (and possibly others I’ve yet to discover) provide a consensus that online communities are REAL, beneficial and purposeful.
Hi Yasmin, thanks for engaging with my paper. Yes, it’s great to see so many papers highlighting the importance of online communities in helping people to find a sense of belonging and as an alternative space for people to find connections.
This was exciting to read, and your topic was relatable, Andrea. I agree that online communities can provide good support for mental health and that being connected online and interacting with people creates a sense of belongingness. But some social media platforms are not equipped to deal with this kind of issue, as they lack the necessary information and experience when dealing with users having problems. It is vital to remain vigilant on what group to seek help from, as it may have an adverse effect.
You can check my paper on how social media helped in creating terror and panic during the covid-19 pandemic in Mauritius below:
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2022/csm/374/social-media-helped-in-creating-terror-and-panic-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-mauritius/
Thank you.
Hi Nadarajan, thanks for engaging with my paper. It’s great to see that you agree that online communities can provide support for mental health. I agree that some social media platforms don’t have the right resources to help users find the right online community to join which may have adverse effects. How do you think social media platforms can help people in understanding which online communities are right for them?
Hi Andrea,
In my opinion, social media platforms, through their online communities, allow people to engage through a distinctive and beneficial user experience to know whether this community fits in the individual’s wants and needs or not.
I think user experience is definitely important in helping people find an online community they connect with and find a sense of belonging. Distinctive factors such as similar interests, experiences, and values also help people to determine if a community is right for them. As discussed in my paper, people that are part of the “Body Image Movement” on Facebook are able to connect with each other as they value self-acceptance and generate an online conversation through positive posts and comments. Have you found an online community that you’ve connected with?
Yes, I have been part of a community Dogster for quite a long time now. It is a great platform where you can connect with other dog lovers worldwide, share stories and pictures of your doggie and bond with these users.
You can check dogster through the link below.
https://www.dogster.com/
That’s great to see that you’ve connected with others in an online community through shared interests. Thanks for sharing the link, I’ll definitely have to take a look I love dogs too!
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for discussing an important topic. Your paper presents very interesting ideas about Facebook and how it connects people globally. I agree that connection online has become very important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when isolation is necessary.
I definitely agree that connection in a community is very important to our mental health. You mentioned that Facebook acts as a crucial form of communication for marginalised groups. I wonder if sharing too much online can actually lead to more discrimination than they are already receiving offline?
Hi Erica, thanks for engaging with my paper. Often information shared online is to educate the public about the experiences of marginalised people and how we’re all the same despite our differences. These online groups provide support for those who can’t find it in the real world or want to remain anonymous when asking for help. I think it’s great when marginalised people are able to share their stories to any degree they feel comfortable with as our differences are becoming more accepted, especially in Australia as it’s such a diverse country. International days such as Migrants day and IDAHOBIT increases awareness and educate the public about the ramifications of discrimination. Although discrimination is still occurring, I think sharing more information will eventually help people understand that we’re all the same. Do you think marginalised people find more support online?
Hi Andrea,
It’s great how Australia is such a multicultural country! I think that marginalised people do find more support online. Although it is possible to find an individual or a community with which we are affiliated to in the offline environment, it is not always so easy to find them. With various online communities like Subtle Asian Traits and LGBTQ@Facebook, finding a group, joining and connecting is easier.
Thanks Erica for your response, I definitely agree that offline communities for marginalised people to find support aren’t the easiest to find. Online communities provide people a different avenue to find support and advice in a more convenient way to connect with others.
Hi Andrea,
I found your paper really interesting to read as I focused on a similar topic in my paper – drawing a greater emphasis on how social media mitigated declining mental health during the paper.
I particularly liked that you placed an emphasis that the concept of community is changing – as I think that is what those who may have opposing points of views fail to accept. What are your opinions on the argument that the communities and connections formed on social media are not as ‘deep’ and authentic, as those thought to be more traditional and formed in person? Further do you think that it potentially be dangerous that some people’s mental health seems to be heavily reliant on their social media image?
If you’d like to have a read of my paper the link is: https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2022/csm/720/online-communities-how-social-media-helped-communities-during-coronavirus-lockdowns/
I’d be interested to hear what you think.
Kind regards,
Ike
Hi Ike thanks for engaging with my paper. I think that forming authentic and deep connections shouldn’t be bound to in-person interactions. As I mentioned in my paper, online communities enable people to form connections globally and to keep in touch with family and friends, especially during the pandemic. This connection is authentic and deep as people are still able to communicate with their loved ones. Personally, for me, I cherish my connection with my grandparents who I’ve only communicated with online for the last 4 years as opposed to an in-person experience with my co-worker that I haven’t found an authentic connection with.
Social media can negatively impact some people’s mental health who are heavily reliant on their social image. However, advertising has shifted to become more image-positive and there are several support groups and communities online that promote self-love. As seen in my paper’s example, the “Body Image Movement” is a great community that showcases the importance of loving yourself and your body which is increasingly promoted on social media and benefits people’s mental health.
Hi Andrea,
you’ve raised some great points which I agree with – and I can’t wait to see more of what’s to come in this positive body image movement.
Kind Regards,
Ike
Hi Ike,
That’s great, I’m also excited to see how this online community will continue to grow and increase body positivity to benefit people’s mental health. Thanks for engaging!
Hi Andrea,
this is an interesting topic which i loved reading, I do agree with the fact that it is a good thing that people are able to express themselves more through facebook, different communities help people struggling with mental health issues and these people feel at ease to communicate how they feel to this community as they that understands what they are going through and gives them good advice and supports them in every possible way. Mental health issues is a matter of concern and should always be a priority, there is a long way to go and these communities are doing a good job by bringing support to these people struggling with mental health on social media platforms.
Hi Sherna, thanks for engaging with my paper. I agree that online communities provide those who are struggling with mental health an alternate form of communication that is easier as they can relate to others who share their experiences. Mental health should definitely be a priority but there is a long way to go to continue to help people and raise awareness. What do you think online communities can do to support this cause?
Hello Andrea!
I really enjoyed your paper which consists of many interesting points.
Had great insights into it.
Cheers,
Gavin