Social Capital and the Information Network Society in South Korea: Do Internet Users and Non-Users Significantly Differ?

• 발행기관: 한국학술연구원
• 저자명: Seong-Ho Lim Kyongjae Song
• 간행물 정보: 『Korea Observer』Vol 50, No 3, 419~442쪽, 전체 24쪽
• 주제분류: 사회과학 > 정치외교학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2019.09.30

영문 초록

Do ICTs bring precious momentum and consolidation to social capital, or do they rather inflict a damaging blow? This question has fueled the alarmist/optimist debate. This article intends to enrich the debate by exploring the question in the South Korean context. Our analyses resulted in complex and mixed messages. Internet-users showed a higher level of social trust than non-users, but the two groups did not reveal particularly outstanding differences in other social capital-related components. It is therefore difficult to take a clear and definitive position on whether the relationship between ICT and social capital is positive or negative. This murky picture in South Korea suggests that the alarmist/optimist debate may be too simplistic. Future discussion thus requires more in-depth interpretations on specific contexts before generalizations can be made regarding the issue of social capital in the information network society.

목차

Abstract

I. Introduction: Alarmists vs. Optimists

II. Questions and Methodology: Comparing Internet Users and Non-Users

III. Analysis: The Effects of the Internet on Social Capital

IV. Discussion and Implications: ICT-Fueled Social Capital in South Korea?

References

키워드

social capital information and communications technology (ICT) trust pro-social norm social networking.