I’ve been watching news reports with shock and sadness over the last week but have also been amazed by the extent to which social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have not only enabled family and friends to contact each other but have also been conduits for millions of dollars donated to a devastated Haiti.

But I’ve been wondering about the Facebook phenomenon and the particular type of online interaction it breeds. Only slightly more than a popularity contest I rather thought Facebook dilutes community and have recently come across some interesting action focused online social networking sites that create space not just for amassing friends but building community – communities of social action.

Idealist.com

“Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.”

Idealist has always been an excellent place to, as they describe it, exchange resources and ideas but they have also recently reinvented themselves and watching this unfold was fascinating. The essence of their reinvention is to building a global network to serve and support those who want to make the world a better place. Lofty indeed but it was the way in which they went about it that particularly struck me. Essentially they posed a question – how can we better facilitate the creation of community online and offline – and invited collaboration in making this a reality.

They do a much better job than I at describing their goals. Check them out for the full scoop.

Tyze.com

Tyze networks are personal support networks that facilitate communication and organization. A Tyze network is something that a son or daughter might set up for their parent with Alzheimer’s in order to support, share and coordinate their care with friends, family and health care providers. I have recently started some work with Tyze and it’s through this connection that I’ve become more interested in action based and supportive online communities. Tyze understands that belonging to a social network has tangible benefits, including improved health and their network model facilitates this. They have some great articles on their site.

These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg. I’m excited by the possibility that online social networking will evolve and mature and maybe, just maybe even Facebook will be good for our health.