Abstract
Computers and the world wide web are for citizens to work first-hand and together, not only for a global market of buyers and sellers. But there is not still an “operating system” for civil society to run, not because of technology, but of people's choices: the greatest opportunity for democracy in history is likely be lost forever among increasing differences and contradictions and the risk of environmental catastrophe and war. To understand better the global world as a system, multidisciplinarity and communities can be alternatives to social networks towards a possible future of collaboration and peace, although it is difficult to see today how to overcome the individualistic and competitive old-industrial model. Not necessarily considering companies and citizens on opposing sides, an aware application of technology to life beyond the waste of the market, the lesson of open software and participation can allow the transition in society from single-use information to real, shared communication.