Conceptualizing Design Parameters of Online Neighborhood Social Networks

Abstract

Online neighborhood social networks (ONSNs) represent an emerging phenomenon among a growing number of niche social networks. These platforms afford users the ability to engage in activities such social interaction with neighbors, sharing of information on local issues or neighborhood volunteering and exhibit promising effects, including improved relationships between neighbors and an increase in neighborly communication. Despite the mounting popularity of platforms such as Nextdoor or nebenan, extant research on ONSNs remains scarce. In this paper, we aim to alleviate this research gap by developing a conceptually and empirically validated taxonomy of ONSNs with a particular focus on their differentiating design properties. We further leverage this taxonomy to derive four distinct archetypes of ONSNs based on a cluster analysis. With our research we provide a first and structured overview on the domain of ONSNs and support researchers and practitioners in analyzing, designing and selecting ONSNs.

Fostering Social Resilience via Online Neighborhood Social Networks During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Status Quo, Design Dilemmas and Research Opportunities

“…Online neighborhood social networks are a novel type of OSN whose functional and topical focus lies on neighborhood-related issues and that are aimed at the inhabitants of one or more spatially delimited neighborhoods [24]. Common functionality of ONSNs consists of a neighborhood-wide activity stream for sharing posts on topics such as local news, recommendations or requests for assistance in daily tasks, direct messaging between neighbors and neighbor profiles and directories [13]. While this set of features is similar to that of traditional OSNs such as Facebook, ONSNs differentiate themselves in a number of ways.…”

“…A central design feature of ONSNs is the automated segmentation of users into isolated subcommunities based on their neighborhood of residence, determined via an address and identity verification mechanism ranging in rigorousness from sharing one's device location to in-person id checks. These mechanisms have been demonstrated to establish a community of trust amongst the members of some online neighborhoods [13,25], increasing the value of ONSN content and features. For instance, trust in recommendations received, trades on a marketplace or willingness to request or provide assistance, which could technically also be found on traditional OSNs, could be of higher value in a community of trustful neighbors.…”

“…While traditional OSNs such as Facebook aim to achieve maximum online engagement of users due to their business model [29], the goal construct of ONSNs is more ambiguous, positioning them more towards being facilitators of offline activity than online engagement. As a result, ONSN platform providers are required to develop novel business models that do not primarily rely on online advertising [13]. Studies analyzing the effects of ONSNs demonstrate their ability to increase neighborly communication and activities [16], to foster local engagement and intergenerational communication [15] and to improve social connectedness and participation among neighbors [30].…”

“…Online social networks (OSNs), in particular, can play an important role in mitigating the effects of crises [10], including the current COVID-19 pandemic [11,12]. Online neighborhood social networks (ONSNs) are a novel type of online social network (OSN) that affords their users functionality for social interaction and information sharing, peer support and integration of local service providers in a geographically delimited community of trustable neighbors [13]. These neighborhood platforms have gained in popularity over the last years, San-Francisco-based Nextdoor leading the charge with 27 million active monthly users and 236,000 active neighborhoods [14].…”

Digital Networking in Home-Based Support of Older Adults in Rural Areas: Requirements for Digital Solutions

“…Studies known to us that have looked at or compared different approaches of social networks on neighborhood level, each cover only a section of the field, such as digital (networking) solutions from the perspective of rural municipalities [20] or the conceptually and empirically validated design parameters of neighborhood social networks [21]. Renyi et al [22] developed a maturity model aimed at standardizing the monitoring and evaluation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)supported neighborhood projects (caring communities), which can be used as a guide and to monitor and evaluate neighborhood development projects.…”