The Networked Neighborhood

Social community is a basic need of human life. Exchange, networking and cooperation are the driving forces for innovation and are at the same time essential for the accomplishment of everyday life. Since the foundation of Facebook in 2004, (digital) networking has been redefined and constantly reinvented. Research and science endeavor to describe the phenomena, to analyze them scientifically and to make the benefits of digital networking accessible to all. In that context this article presents first results of the evaluation of a quarter related networking platform. Objectives of the evaluation are the derivation of criteria for the implementation of neighborhood apps as well as the gain in knowledge about content satisfaction and the user-friendliness of the neighborhood app used in the project. First results show that there is a cross-generational interest in digital networking and that tools for neighborhood work and district communication make the use of a neighborhood platform attractive. Nevertheless, there is a certain inhibition to the usage due to the fear to do something wrong, additional work and the low added value in the initial phase due to low numbers of users.