Open-Sourcing Civil Society

Abstract

What role does civil society play in managing the effects of creative destruction? What are the prospects of open-source social networks? Can new technologies like the blockchain enable the rebirth of mutual aid societies? I argue that we can draw broad lessons about how to build communities in the internet era from the successful operation of open-source projects. Open source is successful because of a technological infrastructure that enables people to interact in particularly productive ways. I discuss the limits of open source and ask whether the same kind of infrastructure can be adapted for social purposes, and for expanding the operation of non-profits.