Internet use, social capital and development (Uganda, South Africa, India, Thailand, Guatemala, Peru)

This dissertation examines the hypothesis that there is a positive correlation between internet use and social capital in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The study was undertaken in communities in Uganda, South Africa, India, Thailand, Guatemala and Peru where internet access has been provided by non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations, or government agencies. Primary qualitative and quantitative data on variables measuring length and type of internet use, the three components of social capital (trust, norms and networks) and demographic characteristics were collected using a survey, an 'ultimatum game' and group discussion.; Econometric analysis of the relationship between internet use and social capital undertaken using OLS, probit, and principal components indicates that internet use is broadly and positively related to various measures of trust, norms and social networks. Additional analysis using the Heckman two-step estimator reveals that there is a particularly robust, positive relationship between the length of internet use, use of the internet for development-related information and various measures of trusting behavior and social networks. Thus, the longer a community member uses the internet and the more it is used for development-related information, the stronger is the positive relationship between internet use, trusting behavior and involvement in community networks. Recent economic research shows a positive relationship between trust and economic growth, suggesting that a positive link also exists between internet use and economic development, via social capital.; Qualitative data obtained through discussions with community members, as well as managers of internet projects, detail the benefits and problems of using the internet as a development tool. Related policy implications for non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations and government agencies include the need to: (1) first explore other less costly solutions to information and communication challenges before determining that the internet is the best solution; (2) develop viable business plans for financial sustainability of internet initiatives; (3) target internet initiatives to communities where demand for and openness to internet solutions already exist; (4) promote local design and ownership of internet-based projects; (5) promote the creation and dissemination of local content; and (6) provide, or assist community members in obtaining, context-relevant development information via the internet.