Virtual Cultures in Today's Information-Oriented Term Paper

An example of this virtual culture is the fan culture, wherein individuals having a similar belief or likeness for an idea or another individual (also identified as "cult hero") come together and form a community wherein they talk about their beliefs, and create a culture uniquely identified only to them. Examples of these fan cultures are Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter fan groups/bases.

In the following years, despite Macionis' expressed fear for these virtual cultures, this form of culture will develop to give way to new, hybrid cultures that will potentially develop as a result of the continuous innovation and creation of computer- and Internet-mediated technologies. Moreover, these cultures will become important in that it will reflect the kind of groups and individuals extant in the society. These virtual cultures will mirror peoples' values, beliefs, and traditions.And most importantly, virtual cultures will become the 'culture of the self,' a culture that is based on individual expression and personal philosophy. In short, virtual culture will develop to be identified as the culture of society's progress towards individualism.

The concept of virtual culture is not an altogether negative concept. In fact, society is in fact moving towards increased individualism, supporting the "me" culture. Of course, the role that the media institution plays in the process will become inevitable, primarily because inherent in the virtual culture is the utilization of and dependence on computer- and Internet-based technologies. Nevertheless, virtual cultures will benefit future societies because of its flexibility to adjust and create a sub-culture, in accordance to the individual's values and beliefs in life......