Offline and online communities: differences and consequences for social inequalities

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between face-to-face and online social life, by developing different constructs for each. The paper investigates if the online and offline forms of social capital mirror each other, and which socio-economic groups have benefitted the most from the digitalization of social life. Using data from a survey carried out in Spain in 2016, the study confirms that social capital is more diversified and instrumental when expressed online than offline. The findings also suggest a widening of the digital gap between generations and socio-economic groups in favour of the younger, the better educated, and the upper classes.