Smart Divide and the Paradigm Shift of Social Capital

Abstract

In the current smart device-based information environment, information utilization is closely related to social capital. Additionally, the smart divide that occurs owing to the differences in use of smart devices has a significant influence on social capital. In this respect, this research empirically analyzed how the smart divide affects social capital construction. The study found that the level of and proficiency in using smart devices and diversity of the information formats used through smart devices affect social capital construction. Further, people who fully utilize smart devices can enhance their participation in social activities, social networks, and reciprocal activities, leading people to construct social capital in a wider range. Contrarily, those who are unable to use smart devices adequately may be disadvantaged in terms of the opportunity to construct social capital and share public interests. Thus, to maximize the intrinsic value of social capital, it is necessary to consider the factors of the smart divide as a complicated and multi-faceted digital divide and the ways to utilize social capital as a driving force for integrating society, and not as a mechanism for dividing members of society.