With the recent growth in computer technology, CMC, or computer-mediated communication, has become more and more common. As more people become connected to the internet, users begin to group together on-line and form virtual communities. The efficiency and freedom of speech afforded by the internet has allowed various groups to transmit their opinions over a far greater range then the local communities where they form at.
Virtual communities are in fact very similar to the traditional definition of community.
Net communities have shared cultural norms and values, mechanisms for maintaining social control among the residents of the community, and a shared language system. Although the existence of virtual communities is now accepted by most scholars, there is a large debate over the significance of these communities. One of these communities which has established itself on the internet is militias. The recent media coverage which these groups received following the Oklahoma City bombing helped to attract many individuals who were sympathetic to the militia movement's beliefs. Based on the data collected from this search, this group was found to have an internet presence sufficient for research.