Relationship between Local SNS Usage and Social Capital

Purpose - This study aims to understand the relationship between Chinese local SNS usage and social capital building through Chinese international students in South Korea. A research model that illustrates the relationship between the SNS usage (i.e., intensity, communication and social capital building is proposed. Based on the analysis, this study will provide responses to the question of if SNS really presents the danger of trapping international consumers in their local comfort zone or enhance social capital for the users. Research design, data, and methodology - The survey questionnaire is circulated among the WeChat (a Chinese local SNS) users who are the Chinese international students studying in South Korea. The collected data is analyzed by structural equation method using SPSS and AMOS. Results - Proposed hypotheses of the positive relationships between the attachment of SNS use and both individuals' bridging and bonding social capital are supported. It's also supported that (1) interpersonal communication, (2) interpersonal communication with old friends, and (3) interpersonal communication for making new friends on SNS positively influence individuals' bridging social capital. Conclusions - This paper demonstrates the importance of intensity of WeChat use and interpersonal communication that impact Chinese international students' bridging and bonding social capital on WeChat.