An affinity space is a social group formed by a shared interest, bringing people together regardless of demographics. Examples include forums, games, and fan sites. Affinity spaces allow for relationship building and information sharing through participation and various activities. They can provide alternative learning experiences by promoting open communication and dispersing knowledge in an unsegregated way. The internet has enabled people to connect over niche interests through affinity spaces.

1. Affinity Spaces And How They Work

2. What is an "Affinity Space?" An affinity space consists of a group of people who are brought together by one common interest. Be it that they are a fan of a particular webcomic or into baking pies, it is a social group formed by an appreciation or love of something else and where relationships can develop between the active people in a group from there. Examples of an Affinity Space: Web forums MMORPGs Fan-made blogs Comic Conventions Social Groups/Clubs Regardless of where an affinity group takes place, the people involved are able to meet and begin developing bonds with others, regardless of age, gender, race or looks.

3. Hayes' Concept Affinity spaces provide a different features than what may be found in schools. Younger members often have more available to them by means of socializing in different areas. Affinity spaces are more available through today's technology. Websites Experiences found within an affinity space are often in contrast with those found in schools. Socializing over a specific interest Fan-produced websites which provide more information on a given Affinity Space These websites can provide access to information, art and news that may not be available directly through the original source of the affinity space. Affinity spaces over a given object are for everyone. They promote and support new information and the communication of resources. They require participation and can include various activities for members to enjoy. Dispersion of Knowledge can be found through social links. People with zero common interests can build relationships simply for sharing similar tastes in one common pleasure. Features of an affinity space can be used and allocated within educational facilities. Lack of segregation and individual knowledge Provides an entirely new style of learning to students by allowing open, unsegregated movement by way of affinity space.

4. Gee's Concept The internet has provided people with a way to "defeat standardization." People seek experiences through various means.

5. Example: H o m e s t u c k A more "colorful" example of an affinity space would be the "fandom" of a very popular webcomic, Homestuck. Homestuck provides a great affinity group due to its popularity. The website for the comic (MSPaintAdventures.com) features a forum where fans can discuss current updates, as well as many social groups away from the main website. Fans gather everywhere from finding each other through Tumblr to having real-life meetups with local fans. By being interested in this comic, many people have been able to get to know each other and build everlasting bonds with unexpected friends. Also, in this particular group, there is no demographic. Fans are of all ages, gender and race. Popular Places for Homestuck Fans: MSPaintAdventures Tumblr DeviantArt Facebook What Fans Do Together: Discuss updates Create videos Write "fanfiction" Draw fanart Cosplay

6. Homestuck: The Fandub Episode 1 by: HomestuckTheFanDub @ Youtube

7. "Fandoms" People who with involvement to affinity spaces based off of a television series, book, comic, anime, or movie consider themselves part of what they call a "fandom." A fandom is the group of people who take part in expressing their love for something and each fandom has a different name. Where Star Trek fans are often called "Trekkies," people in the Homestuck group are known as "Homestucks." Homestucks often involve themselves in activities from writing fanfiction and drawing fan art to cosplaying as their favorite characters at various comic conventions in their areas. Just about anything with a storyline has an active fandom for any fan to join in on. GIF image by SurpriseSavages101, Wikimedia

8. Why Affinity Spaces Work They provide a sense of community They bring people together in safer environments They allow for better socializing among those who may not feel comfortable in face-to-face interaction They promote creativity and thought process. No specific demographic.