Social networking sites and our lives

Part 4: Trust, support, perspective taking, and democratic engagement

Introduction

These survey findings suggest that the structure of social networking site users’ social networks is as good as or better than most people’s in terms of size and diversity. However, does this make them better people or better citizens, or does the use of SNS cut people off from their physical communities? Are they less supportive? Less trusting? Are they isolated in inward looking silos, unable to explore multiple opinions and points of view? Or, are SNS users as or more engaged with their communities, voluntary associations, and politics? The survey set out to probe these issues, too.

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Copyright 2012 Pew Internet & American Life Project

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.