The Mecanisms of Virtual Socialization

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to confirm the activation, in virtual environments, the mechanisms of socialization studied in classroom contexts. We found 21 mechanisms of socialization. This is a theoretical contributions. The study of virtual socialization requires a design using a multimethod strategy and micro and macro-sociological approaches, techniques such as social network analysis, case-studies with virtual group, Delphi, virtual ethnography and content analysis. Finally, we have verified the mechanisms of socialization on-line: identification, adaptation, social learning, internalization and assimilation. They are best suited to work in distance learning.