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Causal relationship between Internet use and social capital in Japan
Article first published online: 28 FEB 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-839X.2007.00242.x
© 2008 The Authors
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How to Cite
Miyata, K. and Kobayashi, T. (2008), Causal relationship between Internet use and social capital in Japan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 11: 42–52. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-839X.2007.00242.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 FEB 2008
- Article first published online: 28 FEB 2008
- Received 1 December 2006; accepted 22 June 2007.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
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Keywords:
- Internet;
- longitudinal study;
- social capital;
- social network
Based on longitudinal data collected from a random sample panel survey, the present study found that different types of Internet usage are differentially related to social networks. The more social ties people have, the more likely they are to use personal computer (PC) email, and the use of PC email increases social ties. The results also show that the more supportive ties people have, the more they tend to use mobile phone email; however, it does not prove the use of mobile phone email increases supportive ties. However, participation in an online community is not related social networks. These findings suggest that PC email may increase the size of personal social networks, whereas mobile phone email is useful in maintaining existing strong ties which provide social support.