Reconstructing Collective Memory in Online Groups

This paper is the first important step of a long-term research. The final goal is to determine if it is possible – and if yes, with what efficiency – to reconstruct families´ collective memories on online scenes. The relevance of this research question is given by the recognition that more and more families live with its members being separated in different countries, continents, and this leads to online communication being the dominant form of communications between the family members. If direct interpersonal communication is lost, if we sacrifice huge part of nonverbality, which are all crucial parts of reconstructing collective family memories, what happens to the shared memories, rituals and stories of a family?