When the theory of social capital emerged in the 1990s, it was believed that positive social attitudes, trust, and networks within a society could develop through face-to-face interactions, mutual assistance, and a sense of collective identity. However, with the widespread adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the internet, new forms of social interaction emerged in the online world. This transformation, particularly through online networks, brought new perspectives to the concept of social ties. Social capital is a complex concept that refers to the benefits that interactions within a society and relationships established between individuals and groups provide to the community. It is tied to the opportunities afforded by being part of a sustained network and the familiarity and recognition among individuals within that network. Additionally, social capital—through elements of social organization such as networks, norms, and societal trust—facilitates cooperation and coordination among people for mutual benefit.
Research on the relationship between social capital and digitalization yields complex results. It has been suggested that the internet can transform social ties, offering new forms of socialization and community-building. The internet may support social ties by maintaining existing connections and providing avenues to form new ones. However, a more pessimistic view also exists: the internet could lead to negative outcomes such as social isolation, addiction, the loss of community identity, and the weakening of social connections.
Recent studies generally emphasize a positive relationship between internet use and social ties. Thanks to digital technologies, people can establish social connections regardless of physical distance or proximity, potentially enriching their social lives. However, some studies argue that there is a negative relationship between social ties and internet use, suggesting that digital technologies—first with the rise of television and later the internet—have eroded social bonds.
There are three main mechanisms through which digitalization might affect social ties. First, particularly among younger generations, spending more time on internet-based activities may reduce the time available for other social activities, potentially weakening social ties. Second, preferences among internet-based information sources can make interactions more selective but limited. Third, when the internet is primarily used for entertainment rather than information, it may fail to contribute to key dimensions of social ties, particularly civic engagement.
The relationship between internet use and social ties also brings the issue of the “digital divide” to the forefront. The digital divide not only refers to the gap between those with and without internet access but also reflects inequalities in the experiences and benefits derived from internet use. Digitalization has created a divide between those who benefit from online social resources and those who do not. Furthermore, inequalities in the offline world can also influence how individuals benefit from digital technologies.
In conclusion, social ties are a multidimensional concept, and digitalization can be seen as a double-edged sword in terms of its impact on society. It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to whether the internet erodes or enriches social ties, as this depends on how it is measured. The effect varies accordingly.