A sense of belonging is one of the main things that a social
media network our business needs to have. Belonging is very important for a social
media site because it creates a community, which is what helps a social media
site thrive. What is unique about creating a sense of belonging within social
media communities, according to Howard, is the “brand Identity” which is
celebrated through “rituals, shared values, shared commitments, and shared interpretation
of a common history” (130). Rituals allow for a person to become better involved
and initiated into a certain group. Howard used the example of hazing to
illustrate how rituals create a community and a sense of belonging; knowing
that each member of a group has to overcome these initiation challenges to
become a part of the “community” helps people feel as though they belong in the
group.
Stories of origin is another important part of belonging.
According to Howard, “Leaders’ narratives about the origins of an organization,
can give purpose and meaning to a members’ participation in the group” (165).
Learning about the origin and history of the group a person wants to join creates
a sense of understanding and significance within a person. If a person feels as
though the organization they are joining has purpose and gives meaning to their
lives, they are more likely to feel as though they belong.
I think belonging played a huge part in my group’s
recommended solution. Because community is such an important part of Clemson,
people who participate in Campus Recreation need to identify with the people
who are also involved in campus rec. Our solution offered that chance for
students to participate and form bonds with other students on campus, so that
they can feel as though they are a part of not only the Clemson community but
also the Campus Recreation community.
I agree that belonging is an important part of becoming assimilated to a culture. As I read these things, I couldn't help thinking about the first few days of life as a Clemson student. Orange T-shirts, orange stationery, orange notebooks, orange everything--we were bombarded with ways to become involved in what we were told we the "Clemson family". Orientation was very instrumental in allowing us as students to be introduced--or inducted--into such an exclusive group. As such, I also agree that we have all been conditioned to yearn for that kind of remuneration throughout our Clemson careers. There are positives and negatives to that. I feel that it can lead to a sense of entitlement, but it also encourages student involvement and participation. In the end, I believe this idea makes up the very fabric of my Clemson experience, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
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