The Digital Commons: Social Perceptions and Behavioural Shifts through Real-Time Environmental Monitoring in the city of Delhi NCR.

In the context of the current unprecedented ecological challenges that urban centers are encountering, digital technologies have become a primary tool in environmental governance. My research investigates the social implications of real-time monitoring of air quality and environmental degradation among people in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Although technical measures of degradation can be obtained through biophysical data, the social aspect of community perception, trust and action regarding the same data is poorly studied. This study uses a mixed-method design with digital surveys and social sentiment analysis to investigate the hypothesis of whether more access to environmental technology leads to people having eco-anxiety or engaging in digital activism. Preliminary results indicate a strong correlation between mobile-based information transparency and community-based conservation efforts, although a digital divide persists in disempowered socio-economic regions. This paper argues that technology is not the solution to environmental crises; rather, it must be integrated into a more comprehensive social system with a strong focus on environmental justice and digital literacy. The findings related to the Society and Technology track of the conference are significant because they indicate the intersection of digital surveillance, public health, and social equity in a rapidly developing urban environment. Ultimately, my research indicates that a scalable framework exists for inclusive, tech-driven environmental advocacy across various global metropolitan contexts.