The Fragile Fabric of Digital Communities: Social Capital in the Age of Internet "Clubs"

This paper explores the evolution of social capital in digital communities and how internet platforms have transformed trust-building. Drawing on Robert Putnam's theory, the study investigates whether platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Farcaster foster the same levels of trust as face-to-face communities. Despite enabling vast networks, these platforms often fail to replicate in-depth relationships, leading to a decline in reciprocity and accountability. The rise of online "clubs" has resulted in transactional interactions, eroding meaningful social capital. The study concludes that genuine online communities must prioritize trust, mutual aid, and sustained efforts beyond mere interaction.