The role of the connector in bridging borders through virtual communities

This analysis examines the interplay between new technologies and social network dynamics as well as their impact on the ability for groups to bridge borders that are otherwise impermeable. The advent of the Internet, especially the Web 2.0, has created a channel for groups to connect that were othe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of borderlands studies 2010-09, Vol.25 (3-4), p.150-158
Main Authors: Kotowski, Michael R., dos Santos, Gildásio M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Borders
Connector
Contact Hypothesis
Groups
Internet
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Summary:This analysis examines the interplay between new technologies and social network dynamics as well as their impact on the ability for groups to bridge borders that are otherwise impermeable. The advent of the Internet, especially the Web 2.0, has created a channel for groups to connect that were otherwise disconnected only a short time ago. Even so, this channel to bridge borders is necessary but not sufficient to increase contact. People must be motivated to connect as well. Therefore, this paper discusses an individual difference personality characteristic that makes some people particularly motivated to (and effective at) forming connections. A method for identifying these people is presented and the implications for bridging borders are discussed.
ISSN:0886-5655
2159-1229
DOI:10.1080/08865655.2010.9695777