Discuss virtual groups and how communication takes place in virtual groups.

What will be an ideal response?

Until recently, group communication occurred almost exclusively in face-to-face settings. A virtual group is a group whose members "meet" via technological media from different physical locations. People can interact with their families, social friendship groups, support groups, interest groups, service groups, and work group teams from different physical locations through e-mail, teleconferences, and video conferences; online social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; and other technologies. They can also use technology to form groups without meeting other members in person.
Because these technologies have changed the communication landscape, and are continuing to do so, research about how communication functions in them is still in its youth. However, while effective virtual group communication follows the same fundamental principles as effective communication in face-to-face groups it is also unique in several ways. Technology makes virtual group communication possible (1) at the same time and location, (2) at the same time but from different locations, (3) at different times but from the same location, and (4) at different times and from different locations. Teleconferences and video conferences are examples of virtual group communication taking place in real time, which means at the same time.
Communication in video conference most closely resembles group communication in face-to-face settings because participants can interact using both verbal and nonverbal messages. By contrast, virtual group communication that occurs on social networking sites, blogs, and Web sites takes place at the same location but not necessarily at the same time. Virtual group communication that occurs via e-mail typically occurs at different times; a group member can send a message and wait hours or days before getting a reply.