Discussion forums, present on many sites since the beginnings of the Internet, are open to anyone and anyone can remain anonymous. These are the reasons why these virtual places of exchange are still so popular with Internet users in search of various information and not wishing to be displayed.
Forum followers help their loved ones more
A british study has found another reason that drives followers to come diligently to the forums: the well-being which emerges from them after having gone there. Once disconnected, they would also share more with their loved ones. They would also be more active on a daily basis and more often willing to help their neighbor.
“Our results paint a more optimistic picture of the good old online discussion forums,” comments study author Dr Louise Pendry of the University of Exeter (UK). Because discussion forums are unfortunately well known to generate controversy, anger or even insults.
Links between users develop on the forums
To show that the exchange spaces on the Internet are not harmful, the team of researchers interviewed 273 followers of forums, aged 18 to 67, 73% of whom were men. The themes that most interested participants dealt with mental health issues, environmental issues and their sports activities.
Their motivations for taking part in online discussions? The most active users developed close links with other Internet users. Reason which motivated them to come back and brought them complete satisfaction.
Presence on forums: benefits for society
Another observation: forum enthusiasts are more likely to take part in activities outside the Web, in connection with their discussions. The scientist notes activities such as volunteering, but also participation in awareness campaigns and donations.
The more Internet users participate in forums, the more the returns multiply. More importantly, the more significant the benefits are for society and for the followers of online discussions.
For the past ten years, social networks have eclipsed these discussion spaces, however. In Great Britain and the United States, they are visited by only 10% and 20% of Internet users, respectively.
How about we get back to it ?!
Read also :
– New: Top Santé launches its health forum!
– The French exchange health advice on discussion forums
