An Investigation On The Consequences Of Using Virtual Social Networks In Promoting The Social Capital

This research investigated the consequences of using virtual social networks in promoting social capital. The research method was qualitative, type of phenomenology and the field of research included managers and experts in the field of media and communications, as well as the professors and social science experts. A purposive sampling method was used and the data were extracted using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by Colaizzi seven-step method. The results were collected until the theoretical saturation of the information. Findings indicated that the most important factors of social capital enhancement included the easy interaction and communication in cyberspace, increasing the coherence and participation by virtual social networks, social bonding in virtual social networks, interactive communication between people and government, and the power of virtual social networking. On the other hand, the most important barriers to social capital promotion included the gradual change in the norms and positive beliefs in cyberspace, social isolation, the publication of negative news in cyberspace, the expansion of individualism in cyberspace, weakening of the traditional social communication network, the promotion of disconfidence in social relations and weakening of ethics. The findings also indicated that virtual social networks have both positive and negative outcomes. The social capital can be promoted with the correct use of social capital strengthening factors and removing the barriers of social capital. (C) 2019 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.