OCAD University Open Research Repository

Reducing intracommunity harm and creating collectiveness in online communities through co-design

Rundell, Delaney (2025) Reducing intracommunity harm and creating collectiveness in online communities through co-design. [MRP]

Item Type: MRP
Creators: Rundell, Delaney
Abstract:

Online communities have been shown to have substantial benefits for individuals, specifically for those who experience forms of physical and social isolation. However, they can also be an avenue for further harm and exclusion to occur, especially for individuals who already experience levels of systemic, societal, and personal marginalization in their day-to-day lives. In this qualitative study, I explore the particular benefits, disempowerments, and limitations of one type of online community that has emerged in recent years: for those who still take COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing high-quality respirators in public, and care about limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses while living in a world where the majority have moved on from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Using interviews and group co-design workshops, I engaged with 10 individuals who still take COVID-19 precautions and are a member of at least one of these online communities. The findings of this study highlight the unique intersectional lived experiences of these individuals and the most pressing needs they see within their community. I discuss the use of synchronous co-design workshops as a potential method for members of online communities to identify shared goals, principles, structure, and processes to reduce intracommunity harm and begin building a more collective community.

Contributors:
Contribution
Name
Email
Collaborator
Berger, Pia
UNSPECIFIED
Collaborator
Kayn, Faelix
UNSPECIFIED
Collaborator
Hardwick, Alyson
UNSPECIFIED
Date: 2025
Uncontrolled Keywords: co-design, COVID-19, online communities, harm, exclusion, marginalization, isolation, intersectional
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design
Date Deposited: 05 May 2025 20:30
Last Modified: 05 May 2025 20:30
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/4691

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