Planning and Social Media: Facebook for Planning at the Neighbourhood Scale

Abstract

While several scholars have discussed the role of neighbourhood groups and local communities in neighbourhood planning processes, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the capacity of online neighbourhood forums in these processes. Focusing on three Facebook neighbourhood groups, this study employs survey and content analysis methods to explore the potential capacity of online neighbourhood forums in creating self-organizing communities and facilitating local planning processes. Although the members' interactions in online neighbourhood forums are highly focused on local issues, the nature of such interactions varies with different groups. Planners or liaisons should facilitate the members' interactions inside and outside of the group to ensure inclusive and sound planning outcomes.