Internet Users in Public Spaces

Anthony Townsend comments on a recent study that is wary of wireless access in public spaces. He says the study has an outdated understanding of how people use spaces today.

1 minute read

June 13, 2011, 6:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The study, published in the Journal of Communication, says that "Internet use within public spaces affords interactions with existing acquaintances that are more diverse than those associated with mobile phone use. However, the level of colocated social diversity to which Internet users are exposed is less than that of most users of these spaces."

Townsend responds:

"First, the most critical element of how online and face-to-face worlds now interact is the widespread and diversifying use of social media and electronic communications to coordinate face-to-face meetings."

FULL STORY: The Real Social Life of Wireless Public Spaces

Monday, June 13, 2011 in Urban Omnibus

Land Use United States Public Spaces Wireless Internet Municipal Wifi

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.