Anabel Quan Haase

Bio: Anabel Quan Haase is an academic researcher from University of Toronto. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sociology of the Internet & The Internet. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 1756 citations.

Does the Internet Increase, Decrease, or Supplement Social Capital? : Social Networks, Participation, and Community Commitment

Abstract: How does the Internet affect social capital? Do the communication possibilities of the Internet increase, decrease, or supplement interpersonal contact, participation, and community commitment? This evidence comes from a 1998 survey of 39,211 visitors to the National Geographic Society Web site, one of the first large-scale Web surveys. The authors find that people's interaction online supplements their face-to-face and telephone communication without increasing or decreasing it. However, heavy Internet use is associated with increased participation in voluntary organizations and politics. Further support for this effect is the positive association between offline and online participation in voluntary organizations and politics. However, the effects of the Internet are not only positive: The heaviest users of the Internet are the least committed to online community. Taken together, this evidence suggests that the Internet is becoming normalized as it is incorporated into the routine practices of everyday ...

Collaboration and Cognitive Structures in Social Science Research Fields. Towards Socio-Cognitive Analysis in Information Systems

Abstract: Bibliographic information systems have to address the needs of users by providing “value-added-components.” For instance, users would benefit from knowing the social and cognitive structures of research fields. Research suggests that a relationship exists between actors' position in scientific networks and the innovativeness of themes they examine. The present study confirms and expands these results through a technique that relates the cognitive and social structures of a research field (socio-cognitive analysis). The results from two social science fields suggest that well-integrated actors are engaged in the consolidation of the mainstream, whereas new ideas are most likely to be introduced and pursued by social climbers, i.e., actors who are starting to form a social network of collaboration.

¿Internet aumenta, reduce o complementa el capital social? Redes sociales, participación y compromiso comunitario

Abstract: Â?Como afecta Internet el Capital social? Â?El aumento de las posibilidades de comunicacion mediante Internet aumenta, reduce o complementa el contacto interpersonal, la participacion y el compromiso hacia la comunidad? Las evidencias descritas en este trabajo provienen de una encuesta realizada en 1998 a 39 mil 211 visitantes del sitio web de la Sociedad Geografica Nacional (National Geographic Society), una de las primeras encuestas online a gran escala. Los autores encontraron que la interaccion de las personas online complementa sus contactos cara a cara y la comunicacion telefonica sin aumentarla o reducirla. Sin embargo, un uso intensivo de Internet esta asociado con el incremento en la participacion en organizaciones politicas y de voluntariado. Un apoyo adicional para este efecto es la asociacion positiva entre la participacion online y offline en organizaciones politicas y de voluntariado. No obstante, los efectos de Internet no solo son positivos. Los usuarios que hacen un uso mas intensivo de la red son los menos comprometidos en las comunidades online. Tomadas en conjunto estas evidencias sugieren que Internet se esta normalizando a medida que esta siendo incorporado en las practicas rutinarias de la vida

The Benefits of Facebook “Friends:” Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites

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.

Understanding knowledge sharing in virtual communities: an integration of social capital and social cognitive theories

Abstract: The biggest challenge in fostering a virtual community is the supply of knowledge, namely the willingness to snare Knowledge with other members. This paper integrates the Social Cognitive Theory and the Social Capital Theory to construct a model for investigating the motivations behind people's knowledge sharing in virtual communities. The study holds that the facets of social capital -- social interaction ties, trust, norm of reciprocity, identification, shared vision and shared language -- will influence individuals' knowledge sharing in virtual communities. We also argue that outcome expectations -- community-related outcome expectations and personal outcome expectations -- can engender knowledge sharing in virtual communities. Data collected from 310 members of one professional virtual community provide support for the proposed model. The results help in identifying the motivation underlying individuals' knowledge sharing behavior in professional virtual communities. The implications for theory and practice and future research directions are discussed.

Is There Social Capital in a Social Network Site?: Facebook Use and College Students' Life Satisfaction, Trust, and Participation

Abstract: This study examines if Facebook, one of the most popular social network sites among college students in the U.S., is related to attitudes and behaviors that enhance individuals' social capital. Using data from a random web survey of college students across Texas (n = 2,603), we find positive relationships between intensity of Facebook use and students' life satisfaction, social trust, civic engagement, and political participation. While these findings should ease the concerns of those who fear that Facebook has mostly negative effects on young adults, the positive and significant associations between Facebook variables and social capital were small, suggesting that online social networks are not the most effective solution for youth disengagement from civic duty and democracy.

Internet Paradox Revisited

Abstract: Kraut et al. (1998) reported negative effects of using the Internet on social involvement and psychological well-being among new Internet users in 1995–96. We called the effects a “paradox” because participants used the Internet heavily for communication, which generally has positive effects. A 3-year follow-up of 208 of these respondents found that negative effects dissipated. We also report findings from a longitudinal survey in 1998–99 of 406 new computer and television purchasers. This sample generally experienced positive effects of using the Internet on communication, social involvement, and well-being. However, consistent with a “rich get richer” model, using the Internet predicted better outcomes for extraverts and those with more social support but worse outcomes for introverts and those with less support.