Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: Various opportunities exist on the internet for individuals to interact with others , building social capital in the process. However, questions exist as to the effects of this interaction on the political behavior. Putnam and others point out the difference between bridging social capital, where an individual’s network is made larger, and bonding social capital, where no new connections are made. If interaction on the internet leads merely to bonding social capital, then Putnam’s conclusions remain as valid as ever. But if the internet increases bridging social capital among the younger cohorts, then perhaps the outlook for future generations is not as bleak as predicted.

We utilize survey data from participants in one particular form of internet community to reach answers to these questions. MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) attract millions of individuals, who together create immersive online communities characterized by immense amounts of social interaction. Our survey utilizes multiple measures of social capital and political engagement, to determine what effect contact with a geographically dispersed population has on democratic participation.