Social Media Users Participate in More Groups and Organisations Than Non-Users

Many have made the argument that social media has depleted real-life interaction and involvement. However, according to a recent study, that line of thinking is not only false, but also backwards - social network site users are more active in groups and organisations than non-users.

The Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. found that 82 percent of social networkers are members of a voluntary group or organisation, whether it's spiritual, community, professional, social service, special interest or fan based. Group participation is seven percent higher among these social media users than that of all U.S. adults, according to the survey.

About 68 percent of those surveyed also said the Internet has played a major role in how members communicate with each other, and another 60 percent believe that the Internet helps spread the word about an issue and connects them to other groups. More than half agree that having an Internet or social media presence has helped them to raise money for their cause or organisation.

The research also shows that social media has offered people more opportunities to join online communities that are specific to their goals, ideals and passions, therefore, bringing groups and causes to the forefront that otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to shine.

While many groups set up pages on Facebook, others are organising themselves on smaller, customised social networking sites to expand on their mission and personalise their virtual communities. By building their own social networking sites with the help of companies like SocialGO, groups can recruit and invite members to events, track donations and link their pages to Facebook and Twitter to increase their presence.

The study concludes by saying that the majority of social networking users believe the Internet enables them to spend more time on group activities. Therefore, these social networkers aren't turning to the Internet to be reclusive, but to better connect with others and their world.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialgo.com