ERIC EJ785664: Social Capital and Health in a Digital Society

2007·14.5 MB·English

by  ERIC

Social Capital and Health in a Digital Society

Behjat A. Sharif

Abstract

Qualy of lif is diretyintuenced bythe quality of
social relationships. Socal capital «reflection ofthe
cobesiveness of socal networks, i considered sigiicat
‘determinant of bath outcomes, Among socal being, lack,
‘of quality socal connections correlates with poor beat
consequences. Membership in social networks and soci
bonds enhance individual’ self-worth and self-esteem, and
improve aces to information, resources nd support critical
‘to well being. Moceover, communities with higher levels of
soca capital demonstrate higher level of tus reciprocity,
‘wing sociation anda social enviroment hats conducive
to heath.

‘Recent technological advances such asthe Iternet ave
largely replaced the need fr faceo-fice interactions. The
increasingly fs pace of ou society bas undermined social
‘elationshps and ths is accountable for declining level of
‘socal capital. As collaboration gives way to competion,
sutonom, and self-sufficiency, individuals are becoming
increasingly isolated with suffering health outcomes. It's
seni for bealth educators to bolster levels of soil capital
through interventions that address declining social
connectivity, by promoting healthy relationships and a
‘rater sense of communis. Th purpose ofthis articles
‘discuss declining social aptl and health outcomes aight
of increasing automation in the United States and make
‘Suggestion for health education iatrvenins

Introduction

‘The hectic pace of our dil lives and our increasingly
automated society have both diminishod the quality of out
‘elaonships and theatnod the sven of ou communities.
Studies have suggested that disadvantaged neighborhoods
substandard health tus cannot be entirely atbuted to
‘he individuals that reside therein or inthe lack of amenities
and available serves. Inthe examination ofthe ecological
‘sssociatin betweon neighborhood level social capital and
‘morality rats, in over 300 neighborhood clusters of about
8000 resident each twas found that neighbortood cia
‘capt was associated wit ower neighborhood dat ae,
(Oer studies have seo concluded that lower level of tcil
captl were related to higher ates of bear disease, cancer,

‘eta. Sharif PHD, CHES; Profesor, ea Science, Califia
‘She University at Los Angel ISI Sate Univers Deve,
‘es Angel, CA 90032 Tepe: 32543-4747; El
‘barficliela et: Caper Ar Lage

infant mortality and violent death including homicide
(Loctner, Kawach, Berman and Buka, 2003).

Teasing levels of isolation and apathy have resulted
in lower levels of participation and seit determination of
individuals and cormunite acres tention Puta (2000)
presented exensve data documenting downward trends in
politica, vic nd religious patepations across the nation,
‘Additionally, presented data supported a decline in
“connections” elated to informal socal relations and
workplace associations. At the root ofthis deteiration of
‘ur nation's social fabric are technological imovations tht
‘obviate interpersonal communicatio, Statistic information
by Putnam (2000) has demonstrated proliferation of
“sereens ineludng TV, VCR, PC, and Internet in homes in
‘America and that “screen watchers” do not keep in touch
‘with others and don't fel ws good in ters oftheir ealth. A
Aistrbing result of this degraded social fabric isthe
increasingly poor heath of the U.S. population as social
‘heath interactively in uenes other dimensions of hel

“Although te US. has established the most expensive
and technologically advanced research and medical eae
Systems in the world, Americans do not rank among the
‘eathiest people globally. According to Gorski (2000, the
US. isranked below many other nations i infant morality,
‘premature bith, cron ness and adlt morality In he
‘westem worl, the U.S asthe highest rates of child abuse,
teen pregnancy, homicide, suicide, and drug abuse. The
paradox of such ahigh US. total expendiure on heath eae
Gelivery and research (representing 18% of the Gross
‘Navona Product), or more than double that of any ater
‘ation, paired with unimpresive health outcomes, party
explained by the appalling gaps in accesibilty of health
‘ato various US. sub-populations (Satcher, 2006).

Curent, about 20% ofthe population cannot afford
‘eath care, over 40 millon live without insurance, and
zillions morehave oly inited medial coverage. Tragically,
shout 90% of uninsured children live in alc with one
‘employed parent. These disparities clearly fll along lines of
‘ace and family income. Afcan American eile aretwice
a likely, and ispani children ae thee times as likely 10
Ihave poor health as White children. Life expectancy for
‘Ain American men 69.2 compared White mals if
expectancy of 75.4 years. (Gorski, 2000; Satcher, 2006).
However, even if equal aces to healthcare were achieved,
access 10 quality medical care alone does not guarantee
‘ood health. The way we ive togetber andthe quality of ou
‘elatoasips in our fails, communities and society overall
‘ct invene individual and population health outcomes.
‘Studies have documented the dectining quay of toca
‘relations inthe US. Te subsequent negative concomitant
are reported fragmented communities, weak political
‘parcpation, and por heath outcomes. On the othe han,
ositve results for ealth are noted where strong social is
‘exist. The purpose of this article is discuss declining social
‘apt and eal outcomes i lightof increasing automation
inthe United States and make suggestions for health
‘education interventions.

‘The concept of social eaplal is fequenty used in
<iscussons ofthe myriad ramifications that socil support,
caring networks and levels of social integration, or lack
‘hereof, can have upon individuals andeommanitis. Public
‘eat xperts ae increasing identying greater community
involvement andthe development of social capital at means
of reducing health inequalities among U.S. populations
(aruba, Michael & Wiggins, 2009), According to Smediey
(2005, improving the health sas of marginalized groups
equies addressing fundamental social and economic
‘determinants of heath.

A Conceptual Framework for Socal Calta

From the inception of the aggregated theories that
‘med the groundwork fr what snow ealled social apt,
Scholars have proposed a variety of definitions of he term
However, «common cor runs through them, inluding the
‘ey component of tus, eiprcity, cooperation snd eve
involvement, rom which soca capial result. These elements
Tester the development of a civic eommaity hati abl ©
‘arse publi issues callstively, a community of ciiens
father than acolo of private ndviduls Borgia, 2002).

“Kawach, Kennedy and Glas (1999) notod hat social
capital consists of social organization characterises that,
fellate collective actions Hame and Shel (2000) sated
‘hat social capital snot “one hing" Ihas relations, materi,
and politcal aspects as well s postive or negative effec.
Kean refer to both dense nd loose networks and takes on
different form depending on whether one is concerned
‘withthe individual, immediate group membership, o the
interaction between social institutions, Yetanotherdeintion
isoffered by Hancock (1999), who stated that social capital
onstintes the “glu” that holds communis togetber. It
‘has both an informal aspect, elated to social networks, and
4 more formal aspect, related to out social development
‘programs. High levels of “social cohesion” and "cvienss”
sr rotedin social networks nd in participation insociey's

Tn broader eologeal perspective, social capital is not
terely concerned with individuals having a multe of
relationships, bat with quality relationships that are rooted
in fetes of socal organization. The end goal of social
capital isnot just to produce tru, reciprocity, and civ
involvements a stagnant endpoint. These characterises
are comerstones of a dynamic and circular process tht
continually accrues positive dividends for individuals and

communis, Social eaptl does not depreciate with se ike
physical assets, rather it undergoes a multiplier effect
‘whereby the more its used the lrger i becomes awe &
‘Sbiell, 200) Ittypiclly produces dividends fom hentia
investment hat was made, and ecpeost i generally abj-
‘product ofthe wansacton, Social capital cannot acrus 10
fnindiviual unlers he rse interacts with others (Macinko
‘Suri 2001).

‘emefts of Social Capital

‘Awie variety of studies have underscored the benefits
of high levels of socal capital. A study by Seeman (1996)
indicated that, based on avaiable dat, social integration is
‘generally associated with beter health; and quality of
‘eltionship ifluence the extent of health befits. The
author noted, “clealy, individual's networks of soc
‘elationships represent dynamic and complex social systems
‘hat effect health outcomes” (p. 42). Other benefits include
ostve community outcomes, Social capital relates directly
{olevels of social cohesion na community, andthe sength
of social networks, social tis and social support among its
‘members can determine individual and community slf-
<etemination Those factors are potent ammunition in the
‘att develop healthy environments basen individuals
bility to work together to combat sense of shared
poweressnes or helplessness. dsl this nucleus of power
‘an then set its sights on the political and economic
processes of « nation, influencing them in # mutually
‘ene manne. Scemaa (1996 encouraged furor research
‘by stating that mach informatio avalable is based oa the
epidemiological and quantiatve data. However, there is
‘eed for more comprehensive approach oinclude structural
fd qualitative factors to measure varied aspects ofthe
Sia environment aod thir impact on health,

‘Social capital can lso be sen in erm ats benefits to
individuals, It endows holders with advantages and
‘opportunites that accrue through membership in certain
‘communities (MeClenaghan, 2000). Penal and kinship
Suppor is provided through membership in soca networks
(awe &Shiel, 2000), and the observance of norms
‘established by networks leads to improved levels of trust
and eiprociy The very beefs of social capital reinforce
‘he sme norms, us, and suport that created it(Maciko
‘& Surfield, 200). Ics been proposed tat nereasng social
‘apt coud ead o reduction of eats inequaies as the
‘eat of communis and individuals are bolstered by song
community networks (Lochner etal, 2008; Macinko &
Stari, 2001).

"Negative Consequences

‘Social capital isnot without ts negative aspects, asin
‘heexample of membership in an-social organization such
the Mala The solidarity and effectiveness displayed by
{his subgroup constiuts social capital forthe members of
‘he group, but i detrimental to society at lage (Inkele

Sing 207, XO 39, Na
2001), Membership insuch network may lo constrain the
‘opportunites of non-network members, place excesive
‘demands on network members, and restrict individual
‘feedom, where such social mores are enforced by group
‘membership. Additional, dangerous delinguet behaviors
tre reinforced when these behaviors are the defining
‘haractristic of group membership (Hawe & Shel, 2000),

‘Thus, greater soca integration sot always desirable when
iti accompanied by greater interpersonal conic resulting
in negative psychological and physiological outcomes of|
‘hose interactions. Clearly social capital is ot panacea for
all tals communities, ather the eultual and contextual
‘elevance ought tobe applied othe population in question,

Social Capital and Health Outcomes

Alcading Vicia pblc health refomer, Si Benjamin
‘Ward, placed on the masthead of The Sanitarian Journal
‘he poignant slogan, “A nations health sa nation's wealth”
(Hancock, 199). The health ofthe members ofa society
indeed a form of capital valuable to the society a large
Healthy individuals are able to contribute to the
sublishment of ealthy communities, healthy economies
and robust political systems. In addition scholars have long.
‘noted an association between social relationships and
individual eat status. Lynch (1977) identified dialogue as
“an elixir that sustains our ives" (. 215). Furhermore,
‘reciprocal relations, sharing and caring communication with
‘others involve processes that go beyond what scientific
instruments can measure. Description ofthese processes
‘can be eaced bec to ancient Grck pilosophy related 10
‘llectveconsiousnes tht can be experienced intuitively
‘burma expleined as material objects.

"Heath is the product of multiple levels of influence
including, biological makeup, individual behaviors, andthe
context within which peopl ive, the soca environment. A
‘multilevel approach to health requires taking into
‘consideration social capital as character ofthe wocil
environment and thus a potential determinant of health
‘Socially isolated individuals are les peychologicaly and
‘Physically healthy, nd are more likly to sufler morbiiies
land moralies than more socially integrated individuals
(House, Landi & Unberson, 1988, Gorski, 2000) Humans
‘seem to bave an innate understanding thst there i «link
‘beeen loneliness or iolation and deleterious physical
effects. Acommnon example i provided by stores ofeldely
individuals who pas on with unexpected apdity afer the
death ofa spouse

‘Of all he domsins in which Putnam (2000) traced the
consequences of varying levels of social capt in none
‘was the importance of socal connectedness so well
‘sablished as inthe case of health and wellbeing. This
insight has been reflected in pubic health research on
‘Vitaly all aspects of physical end mental health (Berkman,
‘& Glass, 2000; Henderson & Whitford 2003) and hough
‘both pidemilopcl and qualitative stulies (Baum & Zech,
12003), Evidence suggest tht, in general, the sizeof one's

socal network or degre of “connectedness” is iversly
‘elated to high-sk health bebaviors. Kawachi etl. (1999)
ound that states with low social capital ad higher numbers
of residents who reported thei health status as being only
{ir or poo. These findings are typical and repicied in
‘multiple other studies. Studies have also showed strong,
‘comeatons between ack of soils and poor poststroke
and postheart tack recover, increased mental disorders
and lowered immune funtion (Berkman & Glass, 2000).
“Avalbiity of social support and accesso information tht
‘comes from network connections ar necessary fr survival
fod helt

‘The degre to which an individual is connected to and
«embeded within the networks of community is itl this
or er heal and well-being, a8 well as to te health and
‘Vial of the communiy.Invidals who lack social support
‘nd social tes live in a situation thats not conducive to

‘on individual and population health outcomes.

Social Capital Technology and Community Health

Community health is achieved through continuous
collaborative efforts of individual and groups wit shared
‘ales and common goal. Collaboration impli tht high
levels of wus, care, and connectedness exist among those
involved in order to create a sense of membership,
‘commitment, and participation that generate community
Spirit Socal capital desribes the pairs and intensity of
‘network connectedness, which include fale, workplace,
‘seighborioods, and ote formal and informal mowing places
Such as schools and religious gatherings. The concept of
soca capita suggests that greater interacon among people
Teadsto mote meaningfleaioaship, which ulimatly are
conducive to better individual and community heath
‘outcomes (Wakefield & Poland, 2005)

“As Vill as socal capital iso society and individuals, 2
notable decline has been and continue to be experienced
‘sa esultof various socal and environmental factors. There
ths been «dramatic docin in the lve of participation in
‘roup activites which threten the quali of lie (Sobel,
2002), These include volunteerism and patcpation incivie,
‘eligi and political process. Furthermore, Sobel (2002)
indistes that greater esponsibiliy forthe decline of social
capital is placed on generational differences, television,
Increasing commuting tines, and increased female labor
‘markt participation. The caus for decline in social expt
are extensive, but often are greatly associated with
technologies! advancements that largely replace the need
{or fceto-fae soil interaction, The lack ofhuman contact
and socialization produces harmful consequences suchas.
feduced quality of relationships, misrus, alienation, end
<etrortion of mesial and physical health,
‘The introduction of technology iato the market as
istovzally been met with a combination of le, suspicion,
and. consumer response. Aer the ntl fascination wears
fits ypicaly supplanted with societal noralization and
‘widespread adoption o the new technology. One need only
Took th fly eceaphenomena ofthe cellular phone and
‘he Internet for an example of culture-wie saturation of
‘ew invention and th effects of technological advancement
‘upon social relations.

“Advances in technology offer more choices that allow
individuals not to interact or relate to others in person.
‘Although this serves the liesyle needs ofime-consious
individuals ina rushed society, increasingly peope fel
lonely and out of ouch with her own ives and thei loved
‘ones (Pappans, 2001). According to Prensky (200) the time
spent on eading by todays average college graduates is
Tees then 5,000 hous ofthe lives compared to over 10,000
hours playing video games. Additionally, this population
spends 20,000 hours of thei lives watching television,
‘Students today are called digital natives (natives speakers
(ofthe digital language) and ret of us who were not bom
inthe digital world as digital immigrants. Prensky (2001)
indicated “the single biggest problem facing education today
isour digital immigrant instructors, who speak an outdated
language (that ofthe pre-dgal age), struggling to teach a
‘population tha speaks an emily new language” (p.2). In
‘egardsto students, Pensky sate, “compuler games, eal,
‘he interet, cll phones and instant messaging are integral
pats oftheir ives". ).

‘ina “push bution” society, cellphones and computers
sare not the causes of loneliness, they are rather tools tht
‘make it possible for people to control and limit their
iterations. They create a figurative and itera fortress tat
‘makes dificl fr others to break in and connect. Craving
speed and making choices based oa convenience, many
ignot the wade-of in dwindling emotional relationships.
‘The subsequent sift in perspectives has been shaping us
jaz people with shore stemtion spans, minimal paionce
nd oriented to machines instead of humanity.

Social Cepltal and Internet Use

‘The Internet is medium that touts the forming of
‘connections asa beneficial byproduct of ts use. One can
stay in contact with geographically distant fiends and
‘exchange information though chatrooms, eestrone mal,
land social networking Websites. The Internet can also
increase organizational involvement by facilitating the low
of information and rendering unnecessary face-to-face
‘meetings (Wella, Hasse, ite & Hampton, 2001). Ina
survey of 5,000 people, respondents universally reported
{hat ther use ofthe Ineme or information exchange had
postive impact cross the three domains: civic engagement,
interpersonal tus and contentnent (Sha, Kwak & Holber,
2001)

‘The aforementioned applications are obviously
‘beneficial othe use inthat they conserve time and maximize

information exchange. In a society that holds efiicny in
‘productivity in paraounestcem, this sems good but one
‘must explore the ater side ofthe coin. If the Internet
‘puporclyinreases social capital, then high ization of
Taternet-based networking capabilites should be
companied by more offine interpersonal contact,
‘organizational parcpation, and commitment to community,
However, quite the opposite is tue in American society
(Welima ta, 200)

‘Researchers have conducted experiment surveys on
‘measures of lie coatentmen, interpersonal tt and civic
engagement, relating these domain to levels of Interact.
‘sage However, where studies examining Inteme use have
‘nn afouisin thir flue to diferetnebeoween the amount
‘oftime people spend onlin and the specific ypesof Internet
scivities engaged in. Some sues found that subjecs were
abl wo retain meaningful associations with people if their
‘se of te Intemet was informational in nature and their
‘online interactions supplemented their face-to-face and
telephone conversation. Others reported that when subjects
‘wer primarily engaged in socal-eeeationalectvits such
15 video games, cha rooms, and muli-aserduagoons the
immersive nature ofthese Internet activites turned people
‘vay fom community organizations, poltiealinvlvemeat,
and domestic life (Shah etal, 2001; Wellman etal, 2001),

‘Some people perceive that Item use approximates
‘eaditonal persona interaction quite well, they have
‘bettie virtual words for el ones. This altemative sets
4 dangerous, slf-deceptive precedent. Since online
“relationships” are sen by some as equivalent 0 real Nesh
and blood ones, people increasingly get involved in these
pseudounions that can bear minimal frit for them as
Individuals or for society at large. Socal norms are eroded
by the anonymous nature of online chat rooms, dating
services, and socal-networking Wed site. These allow
‘parcipants to freely engage in deviant activites, suchas
Soul inappropriate materials. Immersion othe escapism
‘hat thse sits provide sheds individuals fom the wadisonal
‘mores and norms of society that would otherwise regulate
‘devitt behavior. The individual who fequently engages in
Iiteret pomography and develops convoluted ides of what
constitutes intimacy provides an example. When this
individual goes on to form a relationship with an setal
‘artet this experience may undermine his he relationship.

“Those supportive claim that digital networks have
increasingly connected us while exraoedinary changes are
{aking place within society (Nachison, 2005) These changes
include providing individuals an unprecedented capacity to
‘scces or crete information. A new bred of publishers
‘now taking advantage of powerful and inexpensive Web
publishing tots. Internet technologies now enable financial
ftanstctions that supersede any geographic restrictions
‘Today's virtua, digital mediascape provides information tht
roses ll physical boundaries. AMhough Inmet hasbeen
‘edited forts power inthe availability of information, itis
‘questionable if technology leads uso an information utopia
(Nachison 2005) The long-term consequence of living ina

Spring 207, NOL 39, Na
Aigtally connected society is uncertain but information
overload may render apathy and other negative
consequences on health. Without quality contol, thee are
risks when tes digital tools and capbilitics aren thobands
fof anyone interested. Unfortunately, dissemination of
‘misinforstion or misuse and abuse of information occur
(Global communication network i great idea but how are
‘we going insure accuracy and credibility of information
‘reventconfsion and chaos? Meanwhile, spending too
‘much ime with technologies divert potential nd powerful
in-person meetings. When social eaptal resources are
squandered to unproductive ends everyone loss.

“The downside of forming Tateraet “connections”
includes isolation, convoluted social norms, heavy
consumerism oft nd Becoming immersed in fans
‘words, al of which erode soil cept, These behaviors
eat breaks in the cains of socal networks, social es
sd social organization, How can poopelearto foster caring
{elations while isolated from situations in which they could
‘ain those skis? [fone doesnt have fce-to-face engaging
‘hats with others about cule ar, pois or economics,
‘one's condition is notconducve to developing social apt,

key determinant of improved quality of lie
sion

Deslinng scil capital isnot something that can be
sect overnight. People need tobe given the appropriate
owledge that wil enable them to empower themselves,
their families aad thei soil networks. Cae must be taken
not to alienate people with accusatory or denigrating
‘commanicaton that wll only serve to worsen the situation,
‘Aso, scil capital need o have a generally greed pon
‘definition, standardized messurement instruments, and
standardized interpretation of measurement results. The
‘efniton is important because social capita, inesplcty
defined, is open to varied interpretations as it relates to
beat clesrer defrition woul id in dissemination of he
tenets of social apt to fiat its widespread adoption
88 theoretical concept.

‘A sociey-wide effort needs tobe undertaken at the
neighborhood level o develop atractive end effective
alternatives to staring at «screen for hous engaged in
“relationships” In ares with high Intemet usage and low
socal capital, neighborhood-wide needs assessments can
detfy nterests ofthe local residents and programs can be
<esigoed to incorporate thei interess. A good example is

‘community garden projec. Engagement in the physical
‘xvironment can be conducive to social ntrstons, and
benches noe tobe bal stractures need to be pind, and
plants need to be plated and ploted out, This alone
ovompasses carpentry, artistry, horticulture, and detting,
‘naddtontomyriad othe opportunites. The most important
‘ctr, however, sha the community would be interacting
in promoting evi involvement. Tis could also function 9s
«stepping-stone for other powerful community ativite,

tis essential study Interne uization among various
cic populations to ivergate variability in outcomes,
artculary in tems of consumer values. Inquies in some
fthnie communities are based upon outward signs of
‘ostentaton tat ador the body such as jewelry, lohig,
and personal grooming. Social tes in these communities,
‘hich often inhabit physically dilapidated neighborhoods,
ate often contingent upon possession of valued “gear.”
Further research should focus on technological inadequacy
and changing norms in these communities.

In increasingly high-tech lifestyles, health education
‘must tea songer posiion in promoting the ethic ofcaing
‘elaionships. As cited in Rogerson and Webb (1991), he
‘notion of eare expands fom not hurting otbers to acing
‘esponsvely toward oneself and others and sustaining
‘connection. A consciousness of the dynamic of human
felationships then becomes centsal to the moral
‘understanding of joining the heart and eye in an ec tht
ties activity of thought w the activity of cae. This may
sound very philosophical, however, itis fundamental 10
public heath

‘Impcadons for Health Education

‘With a focus on relationships, health educators must
demonstrate ear though modeling, dialogue, and practice.
‘Such performance must be characterized by continuity,
reflections, and confirmation. To develop socal capt,
effective health education must favor cuicala that focus
fn developing such Virtues and strengths a:

Empathy Generosity
‘Kindness Courage
Cooperation Contemplation
Perseverance Patience
Responsibility Sensitiviy
Ths Respect
Self-iseptine Selfcoatol
Positive atte Cizenship

Social capital require shat relationships be created,
strengthened, and maintained to produce optial outcomes
{or individuals and communities, Building socal capital
equies time, effort, st, and most importa, commitent.
[Levels of social capital within community depend directly
‘on each individual's ability to prioritize thei values as it
‘elas to relationships. Community leader and public health
‘roessionals have called for plan of ation in atemp 0
‘eesabish social pital (Gorski, 2000; Hancock 199; Howe
‘& Shiel, 2000, Macinko & Starfield, 20001). These include

rest the human building blocks of health shrough
improving health care, public policy, health
‘behaviors and living conditions.

Consider human development the central purpose
of public health by advancing ecological and
economical conditions through reducing such
‘hetors ab unemployment and poverty

-Expandon capacity building within the community
‘by promoting participation whereby people develop
the ls real for healthy social interactions.
Develop healthy relationships and prioritize
sctvities in order to allow time for personal
Telationships, networking, and in-person
‘commaniatons. Engage in soa activites such
45 joining a sports team not only as gateway 10
Improve health but also for its characteristic of
interdependence.

‘Shift rom managed cae wo community health with
‘the primary goal being the public's health ints
of physical, mental soil andspiriual wel beng.
Increase grassroots engagement in order to
cocourage community member to become dietly
involved with community decisions, therefore,
‘creating sense of belonging and cizenship.
Increase collaboration, advocacy, and coalton-
building evteal to the realization of successful
‘community paricipaton,

Incorporate diversity and embrace all races!
cnicties without prejudice in order to enhance
‘he communty’s Vision.

Conduct ore research to clarify the basis fr social
‘apt as determinant heath and itsimpliatons
{Br health edeaton interventions.

Conclusion

‘A telatioship canbe beneficial to helt just a tan
‘be unhealthy; i requires knowledge ofthe difference and
commitment to produce a change. In order to connect with
‘others and generate greater eels of social capt, its Test.
‘necessary that individuals have the ability to know
‘themselves and prioritize ther values, reflected in ieste
choices tit elates to health

“Heavy ltemet use can be correlated with destin in
social capital and subsequently deteriorating heal
‘outcomes, Intemet use deserves aftetion fr is ability 10
‘sur th igh place of face oface interaction However,
‘here is an inherent danger when people equate automated
‘communications as more constructive and desirable
‘compared to any in-person alk stations. A conscious effort.
‘needs to be made to eintoduce people tothe joys that can
‘be gleaned fom real-world caring associations. Ina public
health perspective, iis eoncous to assume tat people
may be suly or hermits by nature and we ought not to
intemape their choices in communication or ifexyles, What
‘would the qualy oli beif wesetasde extending a genuine
‘hand to our fellow human fom a place of tue love and
‘espect? To develop social capil, effecive heath education
interventions are needed for bringing individuals and
‘communities in touch and togethet!

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