9.5 Integration of Technology for Community Building and Information
Access to telecommunications networks through the Internet can greatly increase an individual’s or family’s capacity to engage in community activity, civic dialogue and education. The Internet links people in neighborhoods and communities of interest, creates a forum for civic dialogue, and provides information about local events, issues of concern, services, and resources. Access to the Internet also has expanded our concept of community, fostering “virtual” communities and providing new opportunities for contact across social, linguistic and geographic borders. An increasing number of American residents are going online to conduct an expanding range of activities.
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