Determining whether ICT improves social interactions

Abstract

[Abstract]: Governments are increasingly aware of the power of the Internet as medium for communication and social interaction. Using the Internet Technology on broadband provides fact access to information and communication. In Western Australia, a network neighborhood is built on the combination of these technologies as a pilot project. This technology is expected to be used by the Western Australian government in order to provide services that would realize in a better quality of life to the residents of this neighborhood. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to test whether ICT actually improves the quality of life by facilitating social interactions as this appears to be a major cause for concern. The aim of the study is to present evidence that ICT is capable of enhancing social interactions and then to justify the use of this technology for improving the quality of life. For this purpose, after studying the Network Neighborhood by a team of students, a survey was conducted among residents of a small township in Western Australia to determine the positive effect of technology or otherwise. The initial survey administered prior to the implementation of the technology indicated that people in the Picton Waters neighbourhood were socially isolated and needed social interactions to improve the quality of their lives.