While writing this essay, it became clear to me that our upcoming generation can hardly
imagine how this world looked like, before the triumph of the internet about ten years ago
turned our information-based society upside down. Internet has taken up an enormous speed
of growing, that justifies labeling it the Super Medium. Participation is easy and cheap; there
is not much technology or expertise necessary, while at the same time traditional forms of
media, such as print media, letters, or the telephone are all combined and readily available.
Pertaining to the course background of this paper, the networking component of this medium
obviously plays a central role. The Internet facilitates finding partners for any form of
interaction. Networking, furthermore, is possible on the societal and the individual level
which is a unique feature. These and many more characteristics call for a more detailed
examination of the internet with regards to Social Capital. Widespread research about this
relation has already been conducted, yet outcomes and interpretations vary drastically.
This paper will bring more order in this conflicting field by tackling the question whether the
internet has a positive or negative impact on Social Capital. Thus, first a precise definition of
Social Capital is provided. Followed by this, positive arguments about the internet are
presented and underpinned by existing research findings. The third section then focuses on
major refutations of the internet propagating Social Capital. Ultimately, a concise comparison
of both 'sides' shows that the positive impact of the internet overall prevails.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction - The Super Medium
- Defining Social Capital
- The merits of the Internet for Social Capital
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the impact of the internet on social capital. It examines the relationship between the internet and social capital by exploring the positive and negative aspects of its influence.
- The definition and characteristics of social capital
- The positive impact of the internet on social capital, including the creation of new public spheres, enhanced access to information and social relationships, and the fostering of social equality
- The potential negative impact of the internet on social capital, including concerns about social isolation and the decline of face-to-face interactions
- The overall impact of the internet on social capital, with a focus on its positive contributions
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the context of the essay, discussing the internet's widespread adoption and its potential impact on social capital. It outlines the essay's structure, focusing on defining social capital, exploring the positive aspects of the internet, and addressing concerns about its negative effects.
The second chapter defines social capital, drawing on various scholarly perspectives, including those of Granovetter, Putnam, Coleman, and Norris. It highlights the importance of networks, norms, trust, and facilitating action as key components of social capital.
The third chapter focuses on the positive effects of the internet on social capital. It explores how the internet creates new public spheres, fosters greater anonymity, expands access to information and diverse social relationships, promotes social equality, and facilitates collective action.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this essay include social capital, internet, networks, trust, communication, public spheres, anonymity, social relationships, social equality, collective action, and civic engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Social Capital?
Social capital refers to the networks, norms, and trust within a society that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit. Key scholars in this field include Putnam, Coleman, and Granovetter.
Does the internet promote or harm social capital?
While there are concerns about social isolation, research generally suggests that the internet has a positive impact by creating new public spheres, enhancing access to information, and facilitating diverse social relationships.
How does the internet facilitate collective action?
The internet makes participation easy and cheap. It allows individuals to find partners for interaction quickly, fostering civic engagement and making it easier to organize social or political movements.
What are the negative arguments regarding the internet and social capital?
Major refutations focus on the potential decline of face-to-face interactions and the risk of people becoming isolated in virtual bubbles, which could weaken the traditional social fabric.
Why is the internet called a "Super Medium"?
It is labeled a Super Medium because it combines traditional forms of media like print, letters, and telephone into one accessible platform, growing at an enormous speed and requiring little technical expertise for basic participation.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2008, The Medium Internet – Harming or Promoting Social Capital?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/175314
