I think one of the internet’s greatest contribution to society (in addition to having more information than one can conceivably imagine at your fingertips)is the blog. Blogs provide opportunities for “civic engagement.” Back in the early 1990s Robert Putman demonstrated that citizens are more satisfied with government when they have numerous strong social networks in their community. He showed that good government is “a by-product of singing groups and soccer clubs” and other social networks which he termed “social capital”. He showed that government works better when citizens are engaged and interacting with each other.

In a later book called “Bowling Alone” Putman tied decreasing satisfaction with American government to a loss of social capital in US society. One of the (many)indicators that he used demonstrate the decrease in social capital was the number of bowling leagues in the US. (He showed that while the number of bowlers stayed pretty much constant, the number of leagues was decreasing – more people were “bowling alone.”) In the 1950s and 60s, bowling leagues (and other social networks, like card clubs or PTA meetings) were where neighbors talked about the issues of the day.

I think blogs are building social capital in American Society. Blogs create social networks where issues can be discussed, viewpoints can be shared, opposing arguments can be made. In a way, blogs are the bowling leagues of the 21st century. Our parents and grandparents went to card clubs, knitting groups, bowling leagues, and PTA meetings – We jump on line and blog. Both make us feel engaged in the social and political issues of the day. We can share our opinions and have our voices heard. If Putnam is correct, the more we blog, the more social capital we will create — government will be more responsive and citizens will be more satisfied.

So keep on blogging – it’s good for the country.

Thanks again for visiting. As always, I would like to welcome comments on this blog. What did you think was most interesting? What can I improve? What content would you like to see added? I welcome any and all feedback.

Cheers,
Jeremy