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Internet use and social capital: The strength of virtual ties

Author

Listed:
  • Thierry Pénard

    (CREM - Centre de recherche en économie et management - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UR - Université de Rennes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Nicolas Poussing

    (CREM - Centre de recherche en économie et management - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UR - Université de Rennes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This paper aims to understand how Internet users may improve their social capital by investing in online social activities. We argue that the Internet can be a convenient and efficient means of maintaining existing social ties and/or of creating new ties. We seek to identify the determinants of online investments in social capital and the nature of the interaction with traditional forms of investment in social capital. Using a Luxembourg household survey, the econometric results reveal a significant positive impact of volunteer activities and trust (two measures of social capital) on online investments to maintain social capital, but more ambiguous results are found between online investments and face-to-face contacts with friends. By contrast, online investments to create new ties are poorly related to the Internet users' existing social capital, but depend on the opportunity cost of time.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Thierry Pénard & Nicolas Poussing, 2010. "Internet use and social capital: The strength of virtual ties," Post-Print halshs-00489752, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00489752
    DOI: 10.2753/JEI0021-36244403XX
    as

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