Irma D. Rutherford We crave meaningful and authentic relationships as humans. We find ways to connect with the world around us, whether it’s through a conversation with a friend or a shared interest in an online forum.
In recent years, however, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have turned to social networks to help us feel more connected with others and bridge the gap that was clearly imposed upon us. This change is not without its downsides. In a recent study, two-thirds (64%) of Americans said that social media has a mostly negative impact on the state of the country.
Online communities have taken action to counter the negative effects of Social Media, which has led many to adopt it as their primary form of communication and connection.
How has this increased demand affected both businesses and users? What role do digital communities play in the new age? How have people responded to a global pandemic and adapted?
We have studied data extensively to answer these questions. We researched some key statistics and facts in order to understand the impact of online communities.
Online Communities Have Stolen the Spotlight
A community online can range from a sports team to a course on financial literacy. These communities can be anything from a sports group to a financial literacy course.
These are also great ways for businesses and brands to show off their products to customers who share the same passions. They will be more likely to invest.
1. 76% of Internet users are members of an online community. This includes blogs, forums, and video vlogs.
2. Many platforms, such as Reddit (which has more than 130,000 communities), are home to these communities.
3. Facebook Groups is also a popular platform. 1.8 billion people visit its site every month, and over half of them are part of at least five active groups.
4. Businesses are also embracing this trend. A Forrester study found that 60% own a brand-named online community.
5. A recent study revealed that participants in the survey believed their online community influenced over 30% of their revenue.
6. On average,
7. Finally, Customer expectations are increasing in online communities, and people tend to seek out advanced personalization. Traditional social media platforms do not meet the needs of users anymore. They find it difficult to join communities or groups that are tailored to their individual needs.
With the growth of online communities, people are more likely to join groups where they can feel a sense of belonging.
8. due to the increased demand for online communities and the shift in customer expectations, 64% say they visit online community sites more frequently than they used to a few years ago.
9. that social media have an overwhelmingly negative impact on the state of the country.
13. E-commerce is one of the main reasons people join online communities: A study found that 27.3% use online communities to make their buying decisions on the internet.
Engagement, the name of the game
What are the characteristics of a successful online community? The main reason people join online communities is to connect with others. This is a great opportunity for companies and organizations in different industries to create a sense of belonging and market their products.
14. Online community engagement increased by 81% since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
15. Who were the most active users? Customers (43%) are the top audience members who have engaged in online communities during the last year. Developers (12%) were also among them.
16. Users are also attracted to online communities by the brands they choose. 82% said that they would welcome brands that decide to join communities. People want to be part of the brand community, and 4/5 of them are willing to do so immediately.
17. What purpose are people trying to fulfill when interacting with an online community? – 77% and 66%, respectively, of the survey participants stated that they visit online communities in order to learn new things or to connect with others who share similar interests.
18. Finally, online communities are the people’s favorite – 36% of users prefer online communities because they believe that “>98% of people who are members of an online group feel like they belong.
20. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported that they had given support to others via a community or group during the pandemic. 86% of respondents said that they have received help in some way.
21. 77% of respondents say that the most important group to which they belong now operates online.
22. 75% of respondents of branded communities agreed or strongly agreed that the community has.
The rise of online communities has also had a positive impact on brands and companies.
23. 88% of community professionals acknowledge that communities play a crucial role in achieving the company’s missions, and 64% confess that online communities help them improve their business decision-making.
