Positive Impacts of IT on Communities

IT can be shown to have some important impacts on local communities that seek to civically and economically improve themselves. Since communities are based on relationships, and relationships rely on communication, then at face we might endorse anything that can help with communication. This is particularly true where face to face meetings are a problem. Furthermore, given that social capital is based around networks, IT can greatly expand ones network of contacts. It can expand ones range of potential contacts to encompass government officials through intelligent e-government practices, to outreach to community members no longer in the geographic area, and to broadcast messages to community members outside ones immediate circle of acquaintance. Access occurring over computer-mediated communication, can be seen as more egalitarian. On the Internet, the famous New Yorker cartoon goes, no one knows you’re a dog. Those with otherwise marginalized voices may freely express themselves, and can detach their views and input from pre-existing conditions that would prejudice others against them, such as race, handicap, age or accent. All of these might pose difficulties being heard in public forums but are largely hidden online. The online forum lends itself towards a more democratic style, and since any participant voice issues, it also lends itself to consensus, although this certainly not guaranteed.

The very process of integrating IT into the community can help a community. In the end, the total intellectual capital of the community will be raised, as more members learn technological skills, and gain information from online sources. Community Technology Centers can help spread this knowledge while serving as important community fixtures.

When claiming that IT can be used as a strong developement tool, all this assumes access to IT resources. This is not to say that the Internet does not have some negative repurcussions on communities, merely that the benefits are varied and important.

Allan Friedman
January, 2002