Damásio, M. & Henriques, S. (2011) “Social capital and media use: Technology and societal development”,

Damásio, M., henriques, sara (2011). Damásio, M. & Henriques, S. (2011) “Social capital and media use: Technology and societal development”, . S. Singh (Ed.). S. Singh (Ed.) New Media and Development. New Delhi: BRPC Publishing HouseNew Delhi: BRPC Publishing.

Abstract: The present chapter introduces the core elements to be considered in the study of communities and their related on-line experience, considering social capital and user activities as nuclear concepts in the study of the contemporary new media experience. The relation between the subjects and the media is approached from the stand point of the production of social capital within a community, hypothesizing that new media devices are capable of promoting greater levels of social capital, social participation and sense of belonging, though encouraging original forms of interaction and social development. The chapter discusses the concept of social capital and its current relevance in the context of social media uses with the introduction of ICT and social media technologies being considered one of the main drivers for development. Empirical data from several studies concerning European based web communities will be presented and discussed.