Mobile communication and social capital: an analysis of geographically differentiated usage patterns

Scott W. Campbell, Nojin Kwak
2010 New Media & Society  
Drawing from a representative sample of adults in the USA, this study explored the links between mobile communication and select indicators of social capital, while also accounting for usage patterns regarding the proximity of mobile contact. Overall, the findings show that mobile phone use intersects with proximity in distinctive ways that are related to spending leisure time with others in a face-to-face context and being active in organized groups and clubs. For individuals with primarily
more » ... al usage patterns, both voice calling and text messaging were positively associated with social leisure activity. For those who primarily used the mobile phone to contact others from a distance, text messaging was positively related to social leisure activity, and for those whose mobile contacts were balanced between local and distant, voice calling was positively associated with active membership in organizations. Interpretation of these findings and directions for future research are offered in the discussion. With subscriptions well into the billions worldwide and growing, the social implications of mobile telephony are both profound and far-reaching. Use of the technology is transforming the social landscape by giving rise to new forms of coordination, relational expression and social connection (Ling, 2004 ). Without doubt, mobile communication new media & society 12(3) 435-451
doi:10.1177/1461444809343307 fatcat:5uit7zfvznbrhhbmbf725woasu