Understanding how Middle-Low Income Neighborhoods Use Technology to Support Community Crime Prevention

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This paper describes how three Chicago communities that vary by socio-economic status, race, and crime rate appropriate information and communication technologies (ICTs) to aid in grassroots, community-based crime prevention efforts. Using interviews, observations, and online content analysis, we found three major differences in how ICTs were appropriated: 1) the formats of the technologies, 2) the selection of the online leaders, and 3) the type of information shared. We describe how historical relationships between communities and government officials may impact digital organizing.

Authors

• Sheena Erete, DePaul University

• Dan Lewis, Northwestern University