Impact of Internet Use on Social Capital: Testing Putnam’s Theory of Time Displacement in Urban Pakistan

Abstract

There is a rapid growth of information technology in Pakistan and the use of social media in urban Pakistan. This study analyzes the impact of Internet use by the young individuals and its relationship with the social capital and interpersonal behavior. The study reveals that Internet uses affect the youth and displaces them physically from the social capital but on the other hand the users are socially getting closer virtually with the society. Other impacts of the use of Internet are withdrawal of interest in the national development, family affairs and community matters. The study confirms the Putnam theory of time displacement and its effects social capital.