Internet's Impact on Community Networks: A Case Study of Five U.S. Cities

Title: Internet's Impact on Community Networks: A Case Study of Five U.S. Cities

Research Question: How are community institutions in five U.S. cities responding to the various possibilities presented by the Internet, particularly in terms of social capital?

Methodology: The study involved interviewing city officials, community activists, and employees of community technology centers and other community-based organizations in five cities: Austin, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon; and Washington, D.C. The aim was twofold: to classify the projects and determine if they affected social capital.

Results: The projects were categorized into several types, including those focused on Internet access for low-income people, job training, and improved service delivery for government and non-profits. The study found that community technology projects varied greatly across cities. In terms of social capital, the researcher developed a framework that included both bridging and bonding social capital. The findings from the five cities suggested that community technology projects had a positive impact on social capital, facilitating coordinated actions and expanding social networks.

Implications: The study highlights the potential of the Internet to enhance social capital in communities. It suggests that community technology projects can play a crucial role in bringing disparate groups together and deepening ties among groups with a lot in common. The findings also support the idea that "third places" like coffee shops or bars, which provide a neutral ground for conversation and expansion of social networks, can contribute to both bridging and bonding social capital.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109084v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109084v1