The research will update our knowledge base in terms of how social media influence community engagement, and examine the extent to which online social capital promotes participation and voluntary efforts in voluntary organisations.
Social capital online
When it comes to the relationship between the use of social media and participation in civil society and voluntary organisations, in particular organizational membership and voluntary efforts, we lack up-to-date knowledge related to the Norwegian context. An important topic is whether social capital online affects offline participation in voluntary organisations.
Online social capital refers to the relationships, networks, and resources that are developed and maintained through online interactions. It can take the form of relationships with other individuals or with local communities, as well as access to information and resources shared online. There are several elements that suggest that online social capital can influence offline voluntary participation and volunteering in a number of ways.
Online social networks can give individuals access to information about volunteering opportunities in their local community, as well as information about organizations and causes they may be interested in supporting. This can make it easier for individuals to find opportunities for volunteering that align with their values and interests.
Online interactions can help individuals build relationships with others who share their interests in volunteering and social causes. These relationships can provide support and encouragement for individuals to engage in volunteering, and can also provide opportunities for individuals to learn about new issues and ways to get involved.
Social media can provide a sense of belonging and social connection, which can be important motivators for individuals to engage in voluntary work. By participating in online communities related to volunteering and social causes, individuals can experience a sense of purpose and meaning that can inspire them to engage in volunteering offline.
Online social capital can also provide individuals with access to resources and information that can help them become more effective volunteers. For example, individuals may be able to learn about volunteering best practices or connect with other volunteers who can provide guidance and support.
Background for the project – Previous research
Previous research has shown that social media change the conditions for communication, organization and community in civil society. Social media recruits more broadly than the established organizational community. For example, we see that young people and people with lower education participate to a greater extent in debates about politics and social issues when these take place online than when they take place offline. Facebook constitutes an alternative recruitment channel for demonstrations and actions, which to a greater extent embraces precisely the young and those with a lower education than the traditional organizational community has done.
Previous research also shows that the use of social media has a positive effect on community engagement, although the research points in different directions when it comes to causes, how extensive such effects are, and what form they take. Several studies have also examined the relationship between the use of social media and various forms of political participation. These studies have looked at the relationship between online and offline participation and engagement.
Some studies nevertheless suggest that general use of social media is not linked to traditional political participation. In addition, there is no consensus on how the relationship between general Facebook use and offline political participation manifests itself.
