Abstract
Online communities contribute to weave the social fabric of the Internet. Practices, norms, and governance arrangements emerge out of individual behaviours and interactions. This paper analyses the case of computer-mediated communities of mutual help within the framework of the core design principles of common-pool resources (CPR) as initially proposed by Elionor Ostrom. First, we suggest conceptualising the notion of help as a human-produced, commons-based resource that can be enjoyed within a community. Second, we present u-Help, a mobile application supporting mutual help for social networks. Third, we examine Ostrom’s design principles and assess the extent to which u-Help aligns with them. We then transform the core principles into requirements for a computer tool that can be used to support CPR groups such as time banks or bartering communities. Finally, we conclude by outlining future development plans to make the application fully aligned with Ostrom’s design principles.
Highlights
Since Elinor Ostrom (1990) first formulated the eight design principles for sustainable governance of common-pool resources (CPRs), research on commons-based, self-governing institutions has been flourishing in different cross-disciplinary domains
Lohmann distinguishes three different types of resources in voluntary action that can potentially fit into our notion of help: (i) the treasury; (ii) collections; and (iii) repertoires
This paper presents a socio-technical implementation of the concept of “help” based on a commons-oriented perspective
Summary
Since Elinor Ostrom (1990) first formulated the eight design principles for sustainable governance of common-pool resources (CPRs), research on commons-based, self-governing institutions has been flourishing in different cross-disciplinary domains. Platforms and mobile applications enable both existing and emerging communities to self-organise at different scales. In a number of cases, Ostrom’s principles have been used as a template for designing digital tools that effectively promote sustainable self-management of online communities and resources In this paper we propose to focus on help as a form of socio-technical commons, broadly defined as a humanmade resource created and exploited by participants interacting with each other through technologically mediated interfaces (e.g. digital, AI-powered, blockchain-enabled, etc.).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
