Exploring the intersection of community and psychology

Join us for a captivating conversation with two community strategists and self-proclaimed “armchair psychologists,” to uncover how communities influence mental well being.

Meet our expert speakers:

Ilker Akansel

Ilker Akansel

Yurii Lazaruk

Yurii Lazaruk

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Key discussion points include:

  • How being part of a community can enhance mental health and overall wellbeing.
  • Why empathy is central to building true communities and how it differentiates a genuine community from mere audiences or groups.
  • The role of community leaders in setting positive examples and fostering environments where members can thrive without the fear of judgment.
  • How to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

Why having empathy is so important when building an online community

Empathy is the cornerstone of building a thriving online community. It creates a foundation of trust, understanding, and belonging that is essential for fostering a truly welcoming environment. When community members feel heard, validated, and supported, they’re more likely to engage authentically and contribute meaningfully.
 
As our experts discussed, empathy allows community members to share their challenges and experiences without fear of judgment. Simply knowing that others face similar struggles can be incredibly helpful and comforting. Empathy also enables community members to listen to each other without immediately trying to “fix” issues, which can be a powerful form of support in itself.

Practical tips for using empathy

Create simple, clear guidelines

While some structure is necessary, overly complex rules can be off-putting. Focus on simple, clear guidelines that encourage respectful behavior without stifling authentic interaction. As one expert suggested, sometimes a single rule like “be a good human” can be enough to start with, building on it as needed.
 

Lead by example

Community leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for empathy and inclusivity. Demonstrate empathy, care, and inclusivity in your own interactions to encourage members to do the same. When leaders model empathetic behavior, it creates a ripple effect throughout the community.

Make things easy for members

Simplify processes and interactions within your community. As one expert noted, people appreciate when things are made easy for them. This can include streamlined onboarding, intuitive navigation, and clear communication. By reducing friction, you create a more welcoming environment.

Benefits of creating a genuine online community

Increased engagement and participation

When members feel truly heard and valued, they’re more likely to actively participate in discussions and activities.

Stronger sense of belonging

Empathy fosters a sense of connection and belonging among community members, making them feel part of something larger than themselves.

Higher retention rates

Members who feel emotionally connected to a community are more likely to stick around long-term.

Collective problem-solving

A supportive community environment encourages members to share their knowledge and experiences, leading to innovative solutions.

Personal growth opportunities

Engaging with diverse perspectives in a safe, empathetic space can lead to personal growth and learning for all community members.

The community leaders’ roles in building an authentic online community

Community leaders are instrumental in fostering empathy and creating a vibrant community:
  1. Set clear expectations for inclusive behavior
  2. Actively moderate discussions to maintain a respectful environment
  3. Create opportunities for meaningful connection between diverse members
  4. Be responsive to the needs and feedback of all community members
  5. Continuously work to improve the community experience for everyone
Leaders should strive to create an environment where members feel safe to be themselves, share their thoughts and experiences, and connect with others. This involves being attentive to the community’s dynamics, addressing issues promptly and fairly, and always looking for ways to enhance the community experience.
 
By prioritizing empathy and genuine connection, community leaders can create thriving online spaces that provide real value to their members. Remember, building a vibrant community is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, reflection, and adaptation.
Morgan Rice, Revenue Enablement & Community Development, Hivebrite

Hosted by:

Morgan Rice

Morgan is a community strategist and entrepreneur with a passion for creating meaningful, authentic spaces that bring people together. With experience organizing events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale summits, Morgan excels at fostering immersive and heartfelt community experiences.

Currently focused on developing innovative community platforms at Hivebrite, Morgan combines creativity and strategy to build spaces that inspire connection. Dedicated to the art of gathering, Morgan is driven by the belief that true community is built on genuine relationships and shared experiences.

Find all episodes from season two of Community Therapy on our webinar hub!

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