The internet has been a facilitator of Virtual communities, providing the building blocks necessary to create social networks, allowing for a conversion of knowledge and information. These 'virtual communities' enable -' new modes of democratic participation in public life '(Flew, 2004, p. 3) Traditional communities generally are distinguished via geographical and physical barriers. Virtual communities takes away geographical barriers and time constrains that may have otherwise limited peoples involvement. Virtual communities base themselves around a common interest/cause and in many cases are surrounded by a set of social norms. The amalgamation of various individuals sharing common interests, those not always readily available in physical realms, provides a point of collective intelligence. This provides a space for people to let ideas and conversation flourish.
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