Digital Communities

Digital Communities is; exploring the relationships that are formed via digital communities such as, Whatsapp groups, Facebook, live streams and other mediums. It shows how it affects interaction with people in our day to day life. For example the struggles young people face with their confidence and things such as unfriendly neighbours can have an effect on children's interactional skills. The theme also explore the pros and cons that technology can have on a community and how migration can affect the interaction we have with loved ones.

Collaborators: Community Researchers analysed the London Community Story research; listening, transcribing and establishing themes; Belonging/Digital Communities/Equality/Identity/Journeys & Travelling/Relationships



Researchers: Sagal Farah, Chifa Khelfaoui , Asha Mohammoud, Nkechi Noel

Facilitator: Joanna Sawkins is studying for a PhD the areas of community research and public policy. Her work is supported by the GLA and University College London.

Goldsmiths University were a partner with the London Community Story at the collecting phase, hosting the Conversation Booth. This partnership developed into the interpreting stage and following an open call, 6 filmmakers were selected to represent each theme, using solely the audio collected.

Digital Communities by Sophie Farrell

Finding your place in the hustle and bustle of a city the size of London can be a challenge. Focussing on the WhatsApp skateboarding group ‘Siblings’, it tells the story of how LQGTQIA+, people of colour, womxn, trans and non-binary people have created an inclusive safe space. It explores how social media groups and digital communication platforms bridge the gaps between people and act as a stepping stone to real life interactions and relationships.

Sophie Farrell is a London-based cinematographer and editor and recent graduate from Goldsmiths Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies: sophiefarrellportfolio.cargo.site.

London New Girl: How digital communities are shaping fresh Londoners' social lives by Dina Zubi

Being new to London can be both an overwhelming and isolating experience. With the Facebook group 'London New Girl' as a case study, the article looks at London newcomers and the challenges they face. It explores how an online community can be a space to build friendships, share intimate stories and get emotional support from virtual strangers, as well as why these young women have chosen to go online to find the connections they might be missing in their offline lives.

Dina Zubi is a current MA Arts and Lifestyle Journalism student at London College of Communication, part of the University of the Arts London: https://medium.com/@dinazubi.

Belonging

Digital Communities

Equality

Identity

Journeys & Travelling

Relationships

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