Convergence of online and 'real world' communication: How an online community is enhanced through 'real world' social interaction

The purpose of this research is to study the impact of online message board communities based on "real world" social contact. The research consists of an online survey distributed to a sample of online message board community members, who have a minimum of 100 posts or who have met at least one individual from the message board in "real life." This survey is designed to determine the value attributed to the online community through "real world" social contact, as determined by the members, with the intent to increase the level and value of online participation. The findings of this research showed "real world" social interactions among members of the online message board community does hinder the activity level of the online message board, but increases the value of the information posted by other members by developing stronger levels of familiarity and trust.