Redes virtuales y comunidades de internautas: nuevos núcleos de sociabilidad y reorganización de la esfera pública

Abstract

From the preliminary results of an ongoing research, this paper puts forward a reflection on the possibilities and limitations of participating in Internet. On one hand, an idea is developed that the formation of virtual communities does not mean the removal or substitution of other forms of organization and membership, but instead new experiences
parallel or complementary to the traditional ones. On the other hand, it is stated that in spite of economic and social limitations conditioning the access to Internet, the integration in chains, nets and discussion forums can potentially develop public microspheres where significant matters are discussed by several individuals, minority groups and social movements.