Neighbourhoods on the Net ― The Nature And Impact of Internet-Based Neighbourhood Information Systems

How a neighbourhood is viewed can affect the lives of those who live there and the attitudes and behaviour of others towards them. This report examines the increasing use and sophistication of Internet-Based Neighbourhood Information Systems (IBNIS), such as www.upmystreet.co.uk, and considers their potential impact on how neighbourhoods are viewed. Neighbourhoods on the net:· provides in-depth analysis of a number of IBNIS both in the UK and US;· considers their advantages and disadvantages;· reviews the research literature on IBNIS and compares and contrasts this with the perspectives of a number of key stakeholders involved in their development and use;· relates the emergence of IBNIS to broader discussions about the impact of the Internet on every day life, particularly in the context of the growing 'digital divide'; and· points towards a range of possible policy implications.The report is essential reading for those working on: urban and regeneration policy; the application of information and communication technologies to social policy issues; e-commerce; e-government; and social and public policy more generally.

Roger Burrows, Department of Sociology, University of York, Nick Ellison, The School of Sociology and Social Policy, The University of Leeds and Brian Woods, Science and Technology Studies Unit (SATSU), Department of Sociology, University of York