Finding deeper meaning in online communities is the next big thing. So the Facebook founder wants to bring more meaning to its nearly 2 billion users by shepherding them into online groups that bring together people with common passions, problems and ambitions. Facebook will apply the same powerful computer algorithms that make its service so compelling to the task of boosting membership in "meaningful" groups to more than a billion people within five years. And what Facebook aims to maximize is the time people spend in its online groups. Blanchard's research has also shown that online communities can make people less intolerant of opposing viewpoints.

Source: ABC News June 22, 2017 16:16 UTC