Legal Research

Facebook and Social Glue

The Benefits of Facebook "Friends:"
Social Capital and College Students' Use of Online Social Network Sites

by Nicole B. Ellison, Charles Steinfield, Cliff Lampe
Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media
Michigan State University

Abstract

"This study examines the relationship between use of Facebook, a popular online social network site, and the formation and maintenance of social capital. In addition to assessing bonding and bridging social capital, we explore a dimension of social capital that assesses one's ability to stay connected with members of a previously inhabited community, which we call maintained social capital. Regression analyses conducted on results from a survey of undergraduate students (N=286) suggest a strong association between use of Facebook and the three types of social capital, with the strongest relationship being to bridging social capital. In addition, Facebook usage was found to interact with measures of psychological well-being, suggesting that it might provide greater benefits for users experiencing low self-esteem and low life satisfaction."

And there are lots of interesting charts and tables. This is the first academic study I've seen on this issue since "The strength of Internet ties" (Boase, J., Horrigan, J. B., Wellman, B., & Rainie, L., 2006 ) by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Stephen

Full post as published by Stephen's Lighthouse on February 20, 2008 (boomark / email).