During the first two-thirds of the last century, America witnessed a steady increase in civic engagement and social capital. Then, a steady decline accompanied the next one-third as Americans became increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors and community-based organizations.
This trend has been thoroughly researched and documented in books such as Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone. Despite the considerable extent to which governments, businesses, schools, hospitals and other organizations have been networked, the neighborhood, where we spend more than half of our time, has become isolated.
eBlock believes this forty-year trend has left residents with a latent desire for some connection with their neighbors, more relevant information, and more access to affordable goods & services, a desire which remains unfulfilled.
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