Social capital develops around the available resources provided by an individual’s network. People can acquire collective benefits (social capital) through the cooperation among their networks. The more resources you share and the more connected you are, the more social capital you gain. You can increase your value.
The types of interaction we choose in our online participation can lead to potential benefits and drawbacks. Norris made a positive association with bridging social worlds: connecting two incongruent sides via the powers of the internet. There is hope that the internet could bring people together in a way that facilitates more tolerant understanding. Certain interaction could allow people to connect despite differences and surpass traditional societal barriers. That is, if we make the leaps to connect to the others. The superfluous amount of choices and possibilities allow us to explore without leaving our comfort zones. We can stay in our own like-minded groups and filter out ‘the other’ (view/ interest/background/belief). But if we stay in our own circles, we risk surrendering a broader social understanding.
The Ellison article discussed how a people use Facebook to connect. Facebook’s most significant use of social capital is its ability to maintain relationships. Even weak ties can lead to a broader social capital, where users have the potential for each other’s resources in the future. Facebook has the ability crystallize relationships that might have dissipated in the real world. (Ellison, 886). While Facebook doesn’t cross vast cultural jumps, it does allow for a slightly broader base of exposure. If we add more people, there is an increased likelihood we might see into their world.
I always fear that I am living in a bubble, choosing to filter my own world and allowing it to be filtered for me. I strive to increase my understanding of others, and I try to be more flexible in my sociability. I see the internet as a unique place to transcend traditional barriers. Though I will always be at risk for subconsciously filtering my own world, I can at least attempt to meet new people through SNS sites.
My experience on Facebook is similar to the Ellison article. (I, too, am an undergraduate white female – as the majority in the study). I mostly use the site to maintain relationships, but I also use it (information-seeking) to find out more about non-friends (if they are visible) and pages. I also see evidence of in comments between mutual friends who are seeking emotional support, are looking for tips, information, events, etc.
Though I have not yet fully read the Graduate’s article on CouchSurfing, I plan to read it in time to comment more on this week’s blog entries. I glanced over it and saw a lot a truths in their observations. CouchSurfing is one SNS site that I am engaged in. It is all about trust and creating connections. CouchSurfing users can provide information, connection, participation in events, host events, and a literal resource of opening their homes to travelers. Here is a link to my page. Though I am not the most active user, it could provide a cursory introduction to those unfamiliar with the site. You can also see a lot of evidence of the sense of community belonging and reciprocity in my profile, comments, and connections. I hope to stay involved over time and increase my connections others so I can take greater advantage of the site.