The Relationship Between Online Social Capital and Civic Engagement－The Case of Facebook Users
Date Issued
2016
Date
2016
Author(s)
Chang, Ting-Yu
Abstract
In recent years, the cases of participating in public affairs through social media have increased because social network sites (SNSs) are combined with features of mass media–information dissemination and interpersonal communication. Based on social capital theory, this thesis aimed to examine the relationship between the use of Facebook, online social networks and civic engagement. Using the online survey method, this thesis collected 420 valid questionnaires. The results show that SNSs only improve civic actions due to the new pattern of online civic engagement. Regarding the use of SNSs, the motivations of information seeking and interpersonal communication, and the strength of Facebook use have positive effects on online civic engagement. It can be argued that SNSs reduce the obstacles of obtaining and discussing public affairs, thereby making individuals concern toward civil society from private life. Moreover, the strength of Facebook use and motivation for interpersonal communication can strongly predict the amount of social capital. Different from previous studies, the results show that social trust has negative effects on online civic engagement. The lesser the social trust, the more the time spent on seeking and confirming the information. Social shared value also has negative effects on offline civic action. When there is higher homogeneity of SNS, individuals would be accustomed to interacting in specific communities instead of participating in public affairs offline. Online civic attentiveness can only predict offline civic attentiveness and civic deliberation. However, the level of civic engagement of those who frequently take part in online civic actions has enhanced from information seeking to taking action on improving public affairs and extending their concern of public affairs from online to offline. Accordingly, online civic attentiveness can positively predict offline civic engagement.
Subjects
civic engagement
social capital
social media
political participation
SNS
Type
thesis
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
ntu-105-R01342011-1.pdf
Size
23.54 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):21af97110f5739e808b33e27f9655dfa