Technology that promotes social captial

"covered dish" for bringing a meal

My students know that I tend to be skeptical about the degree to which electronic technology actually promotes human good.  I recognize the potential, but I also see the down side.  So it seems honest for me to acknowledge that CaringBridge and FoodTidings.com appear to be uses of technology that do promote social capital.  Both depend upon prior relationships and foster them in service of sharing news about a person well-loved and of providing meals and other help.  Perhaps by making that person's network of friends visible, these programs even stimulate new relationships and expand community.  Seems like an interesting topic for further research.