What defines a healthy online community?

Question

Jonayed Tanjim · Accepted Answer

IMO the ability to share one's opinion/knowledge/constructive criticism freely. What do you think?

Sonia Kost · Answer

I think all healthy online communities are highly moderated. And it’s a good thing 🤗
Everyone should feel free to speak their mind but as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else.

Filip Dębowski · Answer

Psychological safety: open communication, ability to admit when you are wrong (not right), atmosphere to ask for and receive help, sense of belonging (probably most important).

Kamil Kollman · Answer

@sonya_key_ Thanks! I am not sure whether being moderated is a necessary sign of a healthy community. Wouldn't it be better if the community was self-moderating, and if someone was being harmful, they could collectively reject such person?

Rosie Sherry · Answer

One that is sustainable and regenerative.

Kamil Kollman · Answer

@filip_debowski Yeah, love all those points, but the last one strikes the harderst - this is quite a difficult thing to achieve a sense of belonging. I guess that requires a lot of time and some signs of support from the other members of the community.

Kamil Kollman · Answer

@jonayed_tanjim Totally agree, that's very impotant, especially in the era of constant aggravation, cancelling people easily, and tribalism. What would you say are examples of such communities? Do you think you can use some tools to help community commit to these values you mentioned?

Kamil Kollman · Answer

@rosiesherry Thank you Rosie! I see we share interests :) How would you define sustainable community? What determines sustainability?

What defines a healthy online community?

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