African Ethics and Online Communities: An Argument for a Virtual Communitarianism

A virtual community is generally described as a group of people with shared interests, ideas, and goals in a particular digital group or virtual platform.Virtual communities have become ubiquitous in recent times, and almosteveryone belongs to one or multiple virtual communities. The onset of theCOVID-19 pandemic, with its associated national lockdowns, has made virtualcommunities more essential and a necessary part of our daily lives, whetherfor work and business, educational purposes or keeping in touch with friendsand family. Given these facts, how do we ensure that virtual communitiesbecome a true community qua community? We address this question byproposing and arguing for a ‘virtual communitarianism’—an onlinecommunity that integrates essential features of traditional Africancommunitarianism in its outlook and practice. The paper’s position is thatvirtual communitarianism can make for a strong ethical virtual communitywhere members can demonstrate a strong sense of group solidarity, care andcompassion towards each other. The inclusion of these virtues can bringmembers who often are farapart and help create a stronger community bond.This