• Journal of Science and Technology Studies
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• v.6 no.1 s.11
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• pp.31-52
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• 2006

This paper aims to analyze the rise and decline of Seattle Community Network(briefly SCN), an electronic community network based upon Seattle, U.S. from the perspective of 'social shaping of technology' theory rather than that of technological determinism That is, this paper focuses on the social processes of the evolution of SCN. And this paper considers SCN as one important element of the 'network society', a concept manufactured by Manuel Castells. SCN was built successfully over 10 years ago by some progressive local activists and volunteers. The main purpose of building SCN at that time was said to make local community stronger with the help of advanced information technology. This can be understood that the founders of SCN tried to shape the direction of network society development based on civil society's values including public access and commitment to democracy rather than those of private companies. After some years of successful working, however, SCN started to decline. The expansion of internet services and the booming of dot.com companies in the late 90's were the main factors that made SCN decline. In conclusion, it can be said that the socia-economic factors rather than technological factors gave birth to the rise and decline of SCN.