Building or Dismantling Networked Individualism? How Social Good Apps Contribute to Social Good

Abstract

This research study seeks to explore social good apps and the ways they may help facilitate social good. The study also investigates which characteristics of networked individualism are present in these apps, and how this may contribute to the building of social good. By social good, we mean how apps facilitate and offer benefits to the general public, especially in addressing areas of inequality and social injustice found in society. The study also considers whether characteristics of “networked individualism” found in the construction of these apps may influence how social good can be achieved through these technologies. Networked individualism argues empowered networked individuals have replaced tightly bound groups and communities as the prime movers effecting change in society. Through an initial pilot study of 151 apps, five genres of social good apps have been identified. It is the intent to further research characteristics of networked individualism in these apps and whether such correlations encourage or discourage social good.