Of course they do, but I am wondering about how. This question has been top of mind for me all week after I have witnessed some pretty horrible tribe behavior in the Dutch social graph. I wont go into the details but some influential individuals actively were bullying and making fun about other people in very inappropriate ways. As I am mostly active in the international social graph I was surprised to see this, as usually the atmosphere in social media is very positive.
Being of mixed cultures myself I am very aware of the different nuances cultures have. We all share the fact we are human beings, but aside from that, we are very different in many ways.
So I have posed a question on Quora “How do cultural differences impact tribe behaviors in #socialmedia?”
I would like to invite you to share your views, experiences about this. I would love to be able to write up a blog post about your examples and draw some conclusions based upon them.
Click here to answer the question on Quora
Looking forward to hearing your Digital Thoughts on this subject!
Thanks
Thomas
But do you think that this is typical Dutch? “influential individuals actively were bullying and making fun about other people in very inappropriate ways”
I remember a case I think it was about 2 years ago in the US for a female blogger that stopped going to conferences because she was attacked in her blog, on twitter. It was terrible.
Also recently I have seen some weird discussions in the comments of a critical blog post, via e-mail, twitter and even Amazon.
Emotions are very basic for animals including humans, Fight, Flight or Freeze. This influenced many discussions that go the wrong way.
Indeed you are right! but I am just wondering whether culture has anything to do with behavior. For example Dutch people are way more direct in their interactions compared to other cultures. Italians like to be very emotional but are not direct.
Also sense of humor is very culturally bound. Sarcasm is not appreciated in many countries, but in NL its often used to make jokes.
This is a very interesting subject. Thomas, you don’t identify the cultural difference inherent in those who inhabit the internet as opposed to those who come from a geographic background. The cultures of communities are not purely limited by our offline upbringing and background, but also are formed by our online upbringing and background. I would propose the two intertwine to create a different culture online. For some it means they become more honest and open, for others less so. And of course, for some it also means they become abusive when they wouldn’t be offline, no matter what country they hail from. My 2c worth :)
“The cultures of communities are not purely limited by our offline upbringing and background, but also are formed by our online upbringing and background” what a brilliant quote Jo!! This is making me think and yr absolutely right! Yr online self might not at all be how you are IRL… However, that when morals and values come in right? Wouldn’t you think these would be the same? Online and offline?
Great comment Jo and thanks so much for leaving yr digital thoughts behind!
Best Thomas
Have a look at Iphone app: cultureGPS. It’s about culture difference in IRL.
This is a rather interesting subject, especially for the ones who have learned to enjoy life as a foreigner.
I’m German and living in England. Needless to say it is rather easy to spot cultural differences. Tribal behaviour exists in one way or the other, whether on- or offline. We all seem to enjoy being around people of the same culture – its easier sometimes. However, using this comfort zone to bully others shouldn’t be part of the deal. But it does exist, and everywhere.
The question here should be how to deal with it – do you ignore it, intervene …?
Interesting subject
Thanks for this
Well I have learnt the hard way that its better to ignore…
just shake it off and move on :)
Indeed, I think that sometimes we are unfortunate to live in the Netherlands, with regarding to online ethics. In my opinion there is no other country where people, heavily engaged in social media, are almost hunted down with questions about their expertise, education and why they call themselves “Social Media Expert” or “Manager”. We still believe that’s all about education, whereas in my opinion it’s all about your engagement, your ability to adapt new skills and knowledge as quick as social media is evolving.
But yes, social media offers some people an opportunity to bully people, often from an anonomous Twitteraccount. Why? I hope you will find some answers, because I simply don’t get it.
Thanks for leaving your thoughts behind Richard. I agree with you its quite sad.
Interestingly I was watching a program on TV the other day about the “Cabaret” (comedy) culture in the Netherlands. The Dutch format of cabaret is very unique to Dutch culture. You don’t find this harsh, critical and cynical cabaret which is so mainstream anywhere else.
The statement made in this documentary was that its something which is hard coded into Dutch culture to appreciate this type of humor. And I have experienced it many times also in person between friends.
Its indeed unfortunate that some people go completely overboard at time and really put other to shame when they don’t deserve it at ll.