The Impact of Social Capital on Information Exchange and Well-Being in Virtual Communities

摘要

Virtual communities play a significant role in improving communication and well-being during disasters. A theoretical model is developed to investigate the mechanism by which social capital contributes to individual and collective well-being through information exchange. Research hypotheses are tested using data from surveys and computer archives in the context of a major natural disaster. We find that information quality is more critical to individuals and the community than information quantity after a disaster. Results also suggest four elements of social capital are important to improve information quality: trust, reciprocity, shared language and shared vision. Theoretical and practical implications for functionalities and communication structures on virtual communities across cultures and countries are provided.