I really should start writing about real-world activism:
“Many worry that youth who spend significant time on fan sites or in online communities tied to hobbies, sports or other interests will become socially isolated. The study found the opposite to be true. Youth engagement in interest-driven online communities was associated with increased volunteer and charity work and in increased work with others on community issues. The Internet can serve as a gateway to online and offline civic and political engagement, including volunteerism, community problem-solving, and protest activity.”
I feel like I do my part by writing this blog, but I still go out and knock doors occasionally just to keep limber. I’m glad that reading blogs and belonging to online communities doesn’t depress and, in fact, enhances civic engagement. But people still need to know how to get involved and what to expect.
