Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.23.3.01
Usage of Internet Social Networks and Participatory Dimensions of Social Capital of Youth – The Example of Facebook
Krešimir Krolo
orcid.org/0000-0002-4556-7698
; University of Zadar, Zadar
Ivan Puzek
; University of Zadar, Zadar
Abstract
The main goal of this article is to analyze the association
between the usage of internet social networks (in the
example of Facebook) and the participatory dimensions of
social capital of youth in Croatia. The research used Robert
D. Putnam's operationalized participatory dimensions of
social capital as well as theories of internet social networks
as potential agents of social capital. The research was
conducted via online survey in 2012 on a convenience
sample of Croatian youth (N = 577). The results indicate
there is a consistent link between the usage of internet social
networks and the number of memberships in non-govern-
mental organizations and civil activism. A positive correlation
with activism remains significant even after including
standard correlates such as memberships in organizations or
generalized trust. Religiosity is positively associated with
membership in non-governmental organizations, but
negatively with social engagement and activism. It is
concluded that internet social networks, due to their
technological and communication characteristics, serve as a
relevant agent for participatory practices of youth with the
necessity to expand research with a probabilistic sample.
Keywords
digital-interactive media; internet social networks; social capital; civil activism; young people
Hrčak ID:
130050
URI
Publication date:
30.10.2014.
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