The more isolated we feel, the more we wish to feel that we belong, connected to others, supported, and safe. Of course, every one means something different by community - to some people it is a feeling, to others a relationships, a neighborhood and its affiliation with an institution or a professional association. In Creating Community Anywhere, authors Carolyn Shaffer, Kristen Anundsen and M. Scott Peck, distinguish a community from a looser association, society, or gathering of people by its common practices, shared decision making, interdependence, identification with more than the individual relationships, and being committed for the long term to everyone's well-being. Living, working and playing in virtual worlds and online communities holds the potential to allow a vast number of people to associate in ways unimaginable only a few years ago. As well, it holds the power to marginalize entire groups and isolate people from physical contact with others.
Any technology has negative consequences and unanticipated side effects.
Not to acknowledge this defies history and does not allow us to act as engaged citizens. Fukuyama states that if technology makes certain old forms of community difficult to sustain, then we must and will seek out new ones. Knowledge Navigators International is fostering the development of social capital and authentic community by creating personal learning spaces where people have the context, resources and tools to reasonably work, live and play. Dr. Hal Richman , President communicates the vision of the Company through articles, briefings and advisory services.