Hyperlocal journalism: experimental project Lupa NH

Abstract

This experimental project aims to develop an interdisciplinary, theoretical framework and to create applications for mobile phones, configuring an environment of communication (conversation) and of deliberation on the formation of hyperlocal social intelligence. The geographical space chosen is that of the community of Novo Horizonte (Macapá/AP). The digital environment pondered aims to allow for residents, journalists, regulars and connoisseurs of the region to supply local digital databases through a customized mobile device application and/or a website, enabling formation of datasets with structured information about the region. The main objective is the creation of a interconnected public sphere, composed by “collective cohesion” and the community procedure of deliberation. The establishment of a participative environment through connected communication technologies provides power to the community, affecting local and collaborative decision-making, civic involvement, co-production and sharing of information in order to solve severe social problems in the region.