Keith N Hampton

I am increasingly interested in the privatization of public space. Mobile phones have facilitated the rise of “network individualism”; community forming around the individual without the dependancy of place. This allows for greater choice in social networks and arguably greater bonding social capital (contact amongst strong ties). Has it also lead to a decline of serendipity? Reduction in the diversity of social ties? Privatization of public space? I increasingly believe that it has, but have some hope that public uses of WiFi and cell phones encourage some spontaneity of interaction. All questions that I hope to address in my ongoing Network Awareness project. Interesting article on this subject in Metropolis Magazine – Disconnected Urbanism.