online communities

Question 1

what is an online community

Answer 1

• a group of people who communicate over the internet about common interests

Question 2

types of online community: social media

Answer 2

• share content and communicate

- creates groups based on locations, events or hobbies to communicate with others with same interests

Question 3

consideration when switching to online systems; blog

Answer 3

• people regularly share information e.g. news and opinions

- comment on videos or blog posts to create a dialogue between people

Question 4

consideration when switching to online systems; wiki

Answer 4

• created and maintained by online communities

- add and edit content to ensure information is up to date and accurate

Question 5

consideration when switching to online systems; chatroom/instant messaging

Answer 5

• post short messages that can be seen by everyone in the chatroom
• let users write short text messages but directly to a person or group (private)

Question 6

consideration when switching to online systems; forums

Answer 6

• online discussion where users post messages and questions publicly for others to read and answer to

Question 7

consideration when switching to online systems; podcasts

Answer 7

• audio files posted to the internet for download

- people interested in the topic can subscribe and get the latest episodes

Question 8

implications for individuals; privacy

Answer 8

• personal information can be accessible by others

- misuse of information e.g. cyber bullying

Question 9

implications for individuals; cost

Answer 9

+ free for users to use it

+ users need to accept advertising

Question 10

implications for individuals; meeting needs

Answer 10

+ allows users to communicate with others

Question 11

implications for individuals; security

Answer 11

• danger of account being hacked and data stolen

- information can be used for identity and bank fraud

Question 12

implications for individuals; user experience

Answer 12

+ease of use; sophisticated features but initiative and accessible
+accessibility; provide companionship for people who are isolated
+ performance; used on various devices

• availability; used offline/limited connectivity is challenging

Question 13

implications for organisations; customer needs

Answer 13

+ communicating w/ customers is easier

+ easier communication helps business understand customer needs better

Question 14

implications for organisations; security

Answer 14

• systems can be vulnerable to hacking attempts which leads to damage to reputation and image and legal issues
• IT staff and training required = money

Question 15

implications for organisations; current systems

Answer 15

• need to transfer data from existing systems

- need to communicate with existing systems

Question 16

implications for organisations; productivity

Answer 16

• cause distractions for employees

+ improve communication which helps productivity

Question 17

implications for organisations; implementation

Answer 17

• extensive testing needed to ensure no errors

- timescales may be long

Question 18

implications for organisations; cost

Answer 18

+ cost free

• additional features/services require fee
• implementing own system has development costs

Question 19

implications for organisations; employee/customer experience

Answer 19

+ improves their experience of a business due to good communication

Question 20

implications for organisations; working practices

Answer 20

+ changes how we work

+ new job roles for social media and new advertising opportunities