Neighbors Online by Aaron Smith, Pew Internet (Jun 9, 2010)
Americans are using more online connections to learn about what's happening in their community.
In a poll conducted at the end of last year, we asked about online connections to communities and neighbors and found that in the twelve months preceding our survey:* 22% of all adults (representing 28% of internet users) signed up to receive alerts about local issues (such as traffic, school events, weather warnings or crime alerts) via email or text messaging.
* 20% of all adults (27% of internet users) used digital tools to talk to their neighbors and keep informed about community issues.
I know of a neighbourhood in Seattle that stays connected through email with updates on break-ins - complete with Google map.
People in the US do have some good neighbourhood tools - such as Everyblock with information on real estate, fires, restaurants and much else.
Posted by Gwen at June 11, 2010 11:42 AM