The public electronic network (PEN) and the homeless in Santa Monica

Abstract

The present article describes the origins, operation, and certain consequences of the Public Electronic Network (PEN) of Santa Monica, California. This computer‐based network provides free, electronic communication to all Santa Monica residents. At present over 5,000 Santa Monica residents are registered to use PEN, and about 1,300 are active users. We draw upon our six‐year study of the PEN system, including participant‐observation by the system's designers, results of two surveys of Santa Monica residents regarding PEN, and archival data from the City of Santa Monica. We examine PEN and the issue of homelessness, including personal observations by one author of the present article who lived in Santa Monica without a home. We examine conflicting human values (and how electronic communication can connect individuals with disparate values), the empowerment of “have‐nots” versus widespread participation, and free‐speech versus civility in an electronic messaging system.