Internet Use and Social Capital: The Strength of Virtual Ties

The introduction of the Internet represents the wave of global change in society. It has changed a wide range of aspects such as social, economic and cultural aspects. It motivates society to change the way they do their daily activities and the way they communicate. Many scholars believe that the world has become basically smaller with the development of worldwide communication forms, now it is faster and easier than ever. The Internet has "its own ability to communicate information and build relationships among many physically contradictory individuals."

According to the results of H1 and H2, it is clear that the Internet has great influence on social capital. The use of the Internet helps to expand the virtual social capital, increase the online connection, and enhance the virtual connection. According to the findings, only 40% answered that this would lead to a reduction in emotional ties in real relationships, as people pay more attention to virtual relations. 40% of respondents say that the use of the Internet will increase reliance on electronic media. 73% of respondents agree to meet new people using the Internet. This is because it helps users to increase online social capital. Of the respondents, 59% agreed to use the Internet to update online contacts with old friends. Only 25% of respondents strongly agree to use the Internet to enhance online communication with relatives. After all, the Internet is people's skills and tools.

The use of the Internet has greatly influenced the increase and decrease of social capacity important for building and maintaining social capital. The use of the Internet may change the nature and diversity of individual social capital. By using the Internet, private virtual relationships and social capital are promoted. As Granovetter predicts, it is viable to distinguish between two online social behaviors. The Internet may be primarily aimed at maintaining or strengthening social relationships established with families and friends. You can then use the Internet to create, maintain or maintain relationships with contacts, and establish new connections with virtual connections. Conversely, computer - dependent communication may be used to enhance virtual relationships, but it also develops weak interpersonal communication and face - to - face communication.