Section Four: Social Capital and Special Topics

Digital Social Capital

With the rapid development of the internet and digital technologies, digital social capital has become increasingly important. Digital social capital refers to the social networks and resources established and maintained through digital platforms, including the creation of online communities, information sharing, virtual trust, and mutual help networks (Spottswood & Wohn, 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital social capital was crucial in maintaining online connections among people, sharing information, and promoting emotional support through networks (Karami & Keshavarz, 2024). In addition, studies indicate that digital social capital can effectively increase the elderly’s motivation to learn and improve their learning abilities, positively impacting their health (Cui et al., 2024).

Online Connections within Communities

Digital social capital facilitates connections among people through social media, forums, and online communities, unrestricted by geographical boundaries, helping people maintain bonding social capital and develop bridging social capital (Hussenoeder, 2022). For example, social media provides a platform for individuals from different backgrounds and regions to communicate, promotes the sharing of information and resources, forms cross-regional cooperative relationships, and enhances the diversity and inclusiveness of social networks.

Knowledge and Resource Sharing

The internet makes sharing of knowledge and resources easier and faster, promoting innovation and learning while breaking down barriers of different social backgrounds and cultures (Alajmi & Al-Qallaf, 2022). In a changing social environment, this rapid information dissemination improves the efficiency of individual knowledge acquisition and provides more opportunities for cross-regional and cross-cultural exchanges. For example, community workers can exchange frontline work experience with practitioners worldwide through online forums and social media, learning from each other and thereby promoting the development and application of social capital to better respond to the needs of service users and communities.

Mutual Support and Assistance

Digital platforms provide a new channel for mutual support and assistance, allowing people to obtain emotional support and practical help through networks, especially in modern urbanised societies where traditional social capital is weakening. These platforms effectively promote the development of online communities, becoming a new model of social support (Liu et al., 2023). Building social capital and mutual help networks used to reply primarily on offline interactions, often limited by distance and space. While digital platforms offer flexibility and broad coverage, breaking previous boundaries and supporting certain needy groups. For example, studies indicate that online communities effectively promote communication and mutual assistance among cancer patients, particularly in providing medical information and emotional support (Rubenstein, 2015).

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