The word community combines two Latin words: “Com”, which means together, and “munis”, which means ready to serve. A community is a social organisation where individuals who share something in common interact. In a neighbourhood community, the physical location where people live and conduct their daily activities forms the basis of their social interactions. Before the emergence of the Internet, communication between neighbours was usually through chit-chats over the fence or neighbourhood gatherings at the local market or mamak stall. However, such interactions were limited to those living near each other; knowing everyone in large neighbourhoods was impossible.

The advent of online technology has been a game changer by providing a virtual space where people can still connect despite being separated by time and space. With the emergence of social networking sites and online communication platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, the concept of a neighbourhood has expanded beyond its geographical boundaries. By joining such groups, one can get to know “neighbours” living a few roads or building floors away, with whom they would typically not meet or interact.

There are many reasons why people are interested in joining their online neighbourhood communities – some want information about what is happening in their neighbourhood. Others want to share their knowledge and ideas about improving the facilities. In addition, some want to meet new people and develop friendships while interacting with others.

Thus, online neighbourhood communities' success depends on the participation of the people who join them. If too few people contribute to the discussion or content, the other members may perceive this group as useless and decide to leave. On the other hand, too many participants who constantly post may cause an avalanche of irrelevant content that can result in overwhelming confusion. Hence, booming neighbourhood online communities have enough participants who contribute relevant and valuable content. Some online neighbourhood communities have the potential to mobilise their residents to support a particular cause of action, such as protests against the building of highways that affect their living conditions, while others function as crime watchdogs.

As online neighbourhood communities become larger by attracting more members, there is always a risk that unsuitable persons may join and disrupt current members' activities by misbehaving through cyber-bullying, trolling, or flaming on controversial topics such as religion or politics. Furthermore, since participants interact via a mediated technological platform, they may be unable to detect non-verbal interpersonal cues since online communication is mainly textual. The lack of social cues may lead to misinterpretations and misunderstandings, hence the importance of online community guidelines enforced by moderators to limit harmful conduct by regulating member behaviour and activities.

However, it is essential not to over-regulate as this might affect information exchange and communication among its members. Moderating online neighbourhood communities can be very taxing as one needs to be the group expert and have good interpersonal and communication skills. Managing the balance in community relationships requires emotional maturity, skills, and sensitivity on the part of the moderator to encourage healthy discourse while limiting harmful content. 
 

Associate Professor Dr Pauline Pooi Yin Leong
School of Arts
Email: @email