The impact of information technology on the relationship between the public and the private realms

This paper is based on the hypothesis that public and private 'space' is becoming blurred and ambiguous and that a series of factors linked to the spread of information technology (IT) could be influencing this phenomenon. Moreover, this paper argues that the demise of the 'public realm' represents a serous threat to democracy flourishing in a pluralistic society. For polic-makers the potential adverse impact of IT on the relationship between public and private space should be of concern. The author believes there needs to be serious evaluation leading to a new set of govermance decisions on the wider social repercussion of IT.