Virtuality and Solidarity: Exploring the New Frontiers of Social Love in the Sign of Collective Wellbeing

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper's objective is both compelling and necessary: to evaluate and emphasize the significance of a theoretical sociological perspective in the study of the reconfiguration of solidarity and love within contemporary digital environments. Given the critical importance of this objective, I must point out several significant shortcomings in the current version:

 

a. The paper lacks a thorough and nuanced engagement with classical sociological thinkers, who are instead referenced only in passing. Furthermore, several essential scholars on the topic, such as Eva Illouz, Michel Maffesoli, and Richard Sennett (among others), are conspicuously absent. Given that this is a theoretical work, the direct quotations from classical works are rather limited.

 

b. The paper does not incorporate the scientific literature of the last fifteen years, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

 

c. The examination of solidarity mechanisms within digital contexts is not substantiated by the observation of specific phenomena, nor does it demonstrate a sufficient grasp of the extensive literature available on this topic. A detailed understanding of the dynamics of new digital contexts would have enabled the paper to reach significant conceptual insights, particularly given the generative power of the digital sphere

 

d. These issues significantly diminish the paper’s scholarly rigor, originality, and overall contribution to the field.

 

While the topic is undeniably of great interest, I strongly encourage the authors to continue their exploration. However, for the paper to be suitable for publication, I recommend a thorough and intensive revision process that addresses the aforementioned concerns.

 

Author Response

Comment 1: 

The paper's objective is both compelling and necessary: to evaluate and emphasize the significance of a theoretical sociological perspective in the study of the reconfiguration of solidarity and love within contemporary digital environments. Given the critical importance of this objective, I must point out several significant shortcomings in the current version:

a. The paper lacks a thorough and nuanced engagement with classical sociological thinkers, who are instead referenced only in passing. Furthermore, several essential scholars on the topic, such as Eva Illouz, Michel Maffesoli, and Richard Sennett (among others), are conspicuously absent. Given that this is a theoretical work, the direct quotations from classical works are rather limited.

b. The paper does not incorporate the scientific literature of the last fifteen years, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

c. The examination of solidarity mechanisms within digital contexts is not substantiated by the observation of specific phenomena, nor does it demonstrate a sufficient grasp of the extensive literature available on this topic. A detailed understanding of the dynamics of new digital contexts would have enabled the paper to reach significant conceptual insights, particularly given the generative power of the digital sphere

d. These issues significantly diminish the paper’s scholarly rigor, originality, and overall contribution to the field.

While the topic is undeniably of great interest, I strongly encourage the authors to continue their exploration. However, for the paper to be suitable for publication, I recommend a thorough and intensive revision process that addresses the aforementioned concerns.

Response 1: Dear reviewer, thank you for the work you have done. Following your instructions, I have revised the paper entirely. In particular, I have added the following parts:

"

In the same direction moves Maffesoli's (1988) reflection, capable of accounting for the present, focusing on 'the analysis of new forms of sociality according to the dynamics of post-modern society. His approach does not emphasize the role of technology in social change but on society itself as an engine of change.

This perspective makes it possible to understand social phenomena not only through broad categories, but also in their everyday and “micro” manifestation. He argues that postmodern society is characterized by an effervescence of the imaginary and a tendency toward tribalism, where the sharing of emotions becomes fundamental to social cohesion.

What assumes prominence is not the individualism of mass societies but the collective experiences and human interactions that define daily life, as keys to community dimensions and social change. From this perspective, new forms of community are underpinned by more authentic human relationships that are less mediated by impersonal structures, since individuality is valued within a cohesive and shared social fabric.

In the book “The Time of Tribes,” the author describes various forms of social aggregations that he refers to as tribes. These tribes are based on shared passions rather than feelings of belonging to social class or geographic spaces, and are characterized by informal ties and a strong collective identity. In this way, a desire emerges to explore cultural dynamics with greater objectivity, in the manner of the scientific method, in order to fully understand the impact and significance of mass culture in contemporary society. In this context, myths become representations of collective living, “sparkles that illuminate well or ill the path, individual or collective, of which all human existence is made” (Maffesoli 1988).

His vision, then, anticipates a reconfiguration of social ties that could lead to a renewed understanding of being together in contemporary globalized society, the glue of which is shared emotions and interests that nurture new forms of solidarity and collective identity. 

He proposes that contemporary society is experiencing a kind of rebirth of premodern values, emerging anew in response to the challenges of the present. A vision this is opposed to the idea of continuous, unidirectional progress and suggests rather a transition, in which old and new values are intertwined.

The reflection fits into the broader debate on networks and emotional capitalism, and highlights how modern technologies, including the Internet, can foster a return to more archaic and communitarian social forms.

In parallel, Eva Illouz (2007) examines the concept of emotional capitalism, a critique of the conventional perception of capitalism as the domain of bureaucratic rationality at the expense of intimate and authentic relationships. Illouz argues that, on the contrary, capitalism has generated an intensely emotional culture both in the world of work and in the family and personal spheres. Economic relationships have become deeply emotional, while intimate relationships are increasingly influenced by economic and political models of negotiation, exchange and equity. This process of intertwining the economic and emotional spheres is referred to by Illouz as emotional capitalism, and it finds expression in different social spheres, to support groups and online dating sites. This highlights an aspect that is not always evident, namely, that of virtual communities, subjects characterize their actions not so much by the selfish dimension, which is also present, nor even the altruistic dimension insofar as they are not bent on helping others as an end in itself. Rather, they are subjects who, although unaware, through their contribution or use of knowledge or services, made available by other users, contribute to creating a virtuous circle of reciprocity of love. The convergence of such reflections offers a multidimensional perspective on our time, where modernization is not seen as an abandonment of premodern values, but as their readjustment and reworking. In this context, networks and emotional capitalism represent two sides of the same coin: on the one hand, the search for belonging and community in an increasingly globalized and technological world; on the other, the growing importance of emotions in defining economic and personal relationships."

"

In this context, therefore, there is an opportunity to create an environment in which technology acts as a catalyst for widespread welfare, promoting the inclusion and active participation of all citizens by incentivizing forms of digital solidarity. An emblematic example of how technology has transformed social and economic dynamics, extending the concept of society beyond traditional geographical boundaries is the phenomenon of so-called crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding platforms act as a virtual bridge, allowing distant individuals to converge toward common goals, supporting projects and ideas that might not otherwise find fertile ground. This form of economic and social cooperation, mediated by technology, reflects Simmel's vision of an interconnected society “in which individuals act for each other, with each other and against each other” no longer within narrow physical boundaries but on dedicated web platforms that become virtual places of exchange. In the sociological perspective, therefore, a social and cooperative relationship is established by creating a network of mutual support that transcends traditional boundaries. Social crowdfunding is collective financing system, (literally, “crowd funding”) a digital model of fundraising that takes place “from below,” , through web platforms, aimed at economically supporting socially useful projects, promoted by nonprofit organizations, associations as well as citizen committees. The democratic and accessible nature of this model represents a revolution in the financing of charitable initiatives since it allows anyone to contribute economically to projects that can have a positive impact on society by strengthening, among other things, the link between citizens and social causes, promoting greater participation and collective awareness. The development and use of new communication and information technologies (ICTs) are recognized as key elements in achieving the European Union's social and cultural inclusion goals. In fact, according to the ISTAT survey, Internet use is increasing although a significant percentage of users with basic digital skills persists. Although, on the other hand, an official general census by ISTAT or other public institutions on the rise of the crowdfunding phenomenon is absent, it is possible to derive empirical data, relative to donative crowdfunding, on some of the most relevant platforms through independent research. Donation-based crowdfunding represents a paradigmatic example of a solidarity mechanism in digital contexts that can mobilize more resources for socially valuable projects with a positive impact on society. In fact, it is a model that allows citizens (donors or beneficiaries of services) to contribute to social value initiatives promoted mainly by nonprofit organizations or businesses that pursue ethical goals to finance nonprofit initiatives (also referred to as social crowdfunding or civic crowdfunding (Esposito De Falco et al., 2015: 186)) in function of the common good. The absence of regulation in this area makes it a preferred tool and particularly suitable for initiatives that have a social, environmental or cultural impact, where the return for the donor is not material in nature, but rather an ethical and moral value. Online platforms that specialize in this type of crowdfunding, in fact, offer a wide range of projects to choose from, allowing donors to contribute in a targeted way to the causes they espouse. Crowdfunding in Italy has shown significant growth, with monetary collection increasing considerably in recent years. According to the Politecnico di Milano report, total funding in the crowdinvesting sector reached 343.79 million euros between July 2022 and July 2023, despite a slight 1 percent decrease from the previous year. This phenomenon enabled the funding of a variety of social causes, including environmental projects, cultural and artistic initiatives, and development of business ideas. In particular, donation crowdfunding, which has no monetary rewards, is often used to support social, ethical causes by engaging participants on an emotional and moral level.

The 2023 annual report showed, in particular, significant growth in donation crowdfunding and at reward crowdfunding. Total fundraising for these two types reached 52.3 million euros in the past 12 months, recording a positive trend reflecting increased trust in crowdfunding platforms and a diversification of funding options available for projects and initiatives of various kinds. Within the numerous donation/reward web platforms, Eppela stands out, a community to date of 17,000 people, which far exceeds its competitors in fundraising inclined to ultilize the use of the social network with a view to increasing collective participation. Other leading platforms on the Italian scene are established Rete del Dono (www.retedeldono.it) and BuonaCausa.org (www.buonacausa.org). The latter, in addition to dealing with fundraising, gives the possibility of managing membership collections, that is, online petitions or signature collections aimed at promoting and supporting projects with social value."

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

he paper aims to explore the concepts of love and solidarity as they manifest in virtual communities. The author provides an analysis of sociological literature, ranging from the classics, such as Weber, Durkheim, and Tönnies, to contemporary scholars like De Kerckhove, Levy, and others. The text is interesting and balanced; however, it does present some formal issues that the author needs to address.

The layout should be carefully reviewed, and attention must be given to the bibliography, as several important authors cited in the text are not referenced. Additionally, I note that there are superscript numbers in the text that appear to be footnotes, but there is no corresponding reference (at least, it is not evident). For example, this can be seen in line 96, as well as in lines 103, 120, 134, 144, etc. In line 162, footnote 6 appears but is inexplicably elaborated on line 180.

 

Some typographical errors also need to be corrected, such as (for example) in line 95 ("collectivecommittment") or in line 163, where the words "of virtual togetherness" are written in a different font.

Author Response

Comments: 

he paper aims to explore the concepts of love and solidarity as they manifest in virtual communities. The author provides an analysis of sociological literature, ranging from the classics, such as Weber, Durkheim, and Tönnies, to contemporary scholars like De Kerckhove, Levy, and others. The text is interesting and balanced; however, it does present some formal issues that the author needs to address.

The layout should be carefully reviewed, and attention must be given to the bibliography, as several important authors cited in the text are not referenced. Additionally, I note that there are superscript numbers in the text that appear to be footnotes, but there is no corresponding reference (at least, it is not evident). For example, this can be seen in line 96, as well as in lines 103, 120, 134, 144, etc. In line 162, footnote 6 appears but is inexplicably elaborated on line 180.

Some typographical errors also need to be corrected, such as (for example) in line 95 ("collectivecommittment") or in line 163, where the words "of virtual togetherness" are written in a different font.

Response: Dear reviewer, I have corrected all the parts you pointed out.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The topic is very interesting. The author optimistically looks at new technologies in the digital era as instruments of new forms of relationships, interactions, and human solidarity. I think the paper deserves to be published in its original form because these theoretical reflections can open the way to a new look at the relationship between humans in the digital environment.

Author Response

Dear review, thank you for your comment!

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have read the author's additions and comments, I find his revisions satisfactory