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The Internet, Social Capital, and Civic Engagement in Asia

Author

Listed:
  • Min-hua Huang

    (National Taiwan University)

  • Taehee Whang

    (Yonsei University)

  • Lei Xuchuan

    (Southwest Jiaotong University)

Abstract

In this paper, we seek to explain (1) how the rise of Internet communication is related to the level of social capital and (2) the role of internet and social capital in shaping civic engagement in Asia. We use cross-national public opinion data of thirteen Asian countries from 2010 to 2012 to investigate these questions. Our results show that social capital is still measured best by traditional membership in social organizations. While the Internet increases social contacts, we could not find evidence that social capital is directly increased by the Internet. We also find that social capital developed through voluntary participation in social organizations most effectively promotes civic engagement activities, except for non-electoral actions that involve joining a demonstration or using violence. Internet usage turns out to be the most effective means of civic engagement for these cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Min-hua Huang & Taehee Whang & Lei Xuchuan, 2017. "The Internet, Social Capital, and Civic Engagement in Asia," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 132(2), pages 559-578, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:132:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-016-1319-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-016-1319-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul DiMaggio & Eszter Hargittai & W. Russell Neuman & John P. Robinson, 2001. "Social Implications of the Internet," Working Papers 159, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies..
    2. Arthur C. Brooks, 2005. "Does Social Capital Make You Generous?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 86(1), pages 1-15, March.
    3. repec:pri:cpanda:wp17%20-%20dimaggio,%20hargittai,%20neuman,%20robinson is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Paul DiMaggio & Eszter Hargittai & W. Russell Neuman & John P. Robinson, 2001. "Social Implications of the Internet," Working Papers 159, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies..
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    Cited by:

    1. Christine Huang, Yi-Hui & Lu, Yuanhang & Kao, Lang & Ying Choy, Christine Hiu & Chang, Yu-tzung, 2020. "Mainframes and mandarins: The impact of internet use on institutional trust in East Asia," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(2).
    2. Lian, Ying & Dong, Xuefan, 2021. "Exploring social media usage in improving public perception on workplace violence against healthcare workers," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Joanna Sleigh & Effy Vayena, 2021. "Public engagement with health data governance: the role of visuality," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Binfeng Shi, 2024. "Transmission mechanism of public concern in waste-sorting policy: Evidence from text mining," Energy & Environment, , vol. 35(3), pages 1616-1636, May.
    5. Yanlan Mei & Yan Tu & Kefan Xie & Yicheng Ye & Wenjing Shen, 2019. "Internet Public Opinion Risk Grading under Emergency Event Based on AHPSort II-DEMATEL," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Dong, Xuefan & Lian, Ying, 2021. "A review of social media-based public opinion analyses: Challenges and recommendations," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).

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