Roles in Online Communities

There are so many ways to communicate with people online, and these methods are constantly evolving to be easier. When I choose to talk to people online, I don't use private chatrooms, as I have a preference for social media. Most of my contact with others is one-on-one messaging and send media back and fourth, but I am also apart of some group chats for teams, classes, family members, and other groups of people who are easier to talk to all at once. I enjoy this method of communication because it is much easier for a bigger group of people to understand the same concept, and to hear it at the same time. I believe that I do not fit in one group particularly, but share characteristics with a couple. I do not like to be the person announcing information or starting the conversation, and I would rather support the initial statement and add feedback to keep the conversation active. This way, I know what is going on from how others react, and I can react accordingly. A conversation does not exist without feedback or others who have something to say, so I like to think that I am helping the person who spoke first. In settings where I am lower on the chain of command, I am definitely a lurker. I read all the information provided and do not respond unless absolutely necessary, because my feedback would not be as accurate as a coach or a club president. I do not think being a lurker is a bad thing in this scenario, because most information is provided for newer members to learn, whereas veteran members are already aware and know what to expect. I choose to voice my opinions in online communication differently based on what is being said and why it is important for me to hear it.