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- Title
Social Capital and Health in a Digital Society.
- Authors
Sharif, Behjat A.
- Abstract
Quality of life is directly influenced by the quality of social relationships. Social capital, a reflection of the cohesiveness of social networks, is considered a significant determinant of health outcomes. Among social beings, lack of quality social connections correlates with poor health consequences. Membership in social networks and social bonds enhance individual's self-worth and self-esteem, and improve access to information, resources and support critical to well being. Moreover, communities with higher levels of social capital demonstrate higher levels of trust, reciprocity, caring association and a social environment that is conducive to health. Recent technological advances such as the Internet have largely replaced the need for face-to-face interactions. The increasingly fast pace of our society has undermined social relationships and thus is accountable for declining levels of social capital. As collaboration gives way to competition, autonomy, and self-sufficiency, individuals are becoming increasingly isolated with suffering health outcomes. It is essential for health educators to bolster levels of social capital through interventions that address declining social connectivity, by promoting healthy relationships and a greater sense of community. The purpose of this article is to discuss declining social capital and health outcomes in light of increasing automation in the United States and make suggestions for health education interventions.
- Subjects
UNITED States; SOCIAL capital; HEALTH; QUALITY of life; SOCIAL networks; INTERNET; HEALTH education
- Publication
Health Educator, 2007, Vol 39, Issue 1, p31
- ISSN
2168-1821
- Publication type
Article