Abstract
These days, almost everyone uses the Internet.Communication tools such as Social Networking Service (SNS) have been developed in the last few years. However, information and communication technology (ICT) literacy is a problem, because many people in the rural areas are so old that they find it difficult to use. The purpose of this paper is to improve the user friendliness of SNS specifically designed for community development in rural areas and to consider the effects and problems in a practical case study at three residents’ associations inSasayama city, Hyogo prefecture. The results show that the SNS is satisfied with actual conditions and an easy-to-use interface for the registrant. It acts as another platform for interaction among young residents and the urban people who interact with their community. Additionally, it serves as a management tool for regional information and knowledge.Although SNS will have to be improved with time, it is one of the useful communication systems for rural community development.
