What does the lifespan of an online community refer to?

The lifespan of an online community refers to the duration it remains active and engaging. This concept encompasses how long a community continues to foster interaction among its members, sustain their interest, and promote ongoing discussions or activities. An active community is one where members regularly participate, share content, and contribute to the communal atmosphere, which is essential for building relationships and achieving shared goals within the community.

Considering the other options, the average age of members, the number of posts in a year, and the size of the community at any point do not directly capture the essence of lifespan. While they may provide insights into certain aspects of the community, such as demographic characteristics or activity levels at a specific time, they do not define how long the community as a whole remains vibrant and engaged. Lifespan focuses specifically on the sustainability of participation, making the duration of activity and engagement the key element to understanding the dynamism of an online community.