Online Neighborhood Networks: The Relationship Between Online Communication Practices and Neighborhood Dynamics

This article builds upon communication infrastructure theory and investigates how practices on online neighborhood networks (ONNs) relate to the social cohesion of communities. Specifically, we study hyperlocal media platform Hoplr, which provides ad-free ONNs in neighbors can communicate with one another. Local governments subscribe Hoplr their residents engage them for community public participation purposes. is based an survey members (N = 3,055) from 150 randomly selected ONNs. Social disentangled as a combination support, sense community, reciprocal exchange, trust. We investigated differences at level relation self-reported types ONN (shared interest, supportive communication, both tangible informational support mobilization). The results reveal limited value quantified behavioral data explain cohesion. However, interesting patterns are revealed between different cohesion, such importance trivial storytelling information exchange enhancing trust, community. At same time, reversed appears when considered explicit platforms. With these insights, enhance theoretical understanding within broader repertoire infrastructures.