Introduction

Establishing the concept of social capital is one thing, actually doing something about it is quite another. In a previous article, I argued that engagement is the true key to Social Capital. Let us now address the minutia.

Questions

Q1 – What is engagement?

I’ll admit asking this mostly so I can answer it. To truly gain social capital, I argue physical action must accompany the intent. Clicking like on someone’s post about thinking of disaster victims does nothing to help. Donating to the relief effort does. Or if you do not have the financial resources, showing up and providing physical labor. If that’s not possible, just the simple act of rolling up one’s sleeves and giving a bit of blood makes an actual world affecting contribution.

Similar principles apply to the body politic. What is the difference between posting snarky memes and voting? One of them has an infinitesimal effect on the world, and the other is a snarky quote.

Q2 – How To Engage Using Social Media?

If likes, +1s, and pictures don’t help engage, then what good is social media? Plenty of course. Well written discourse can attract the right kind of attention and raise awareness. Social media groups can be used to coordinate real world efforts. Real time data from ground zero of a project can encourage and cajole.

Simply put, social media has thus far proven to be highly detrimental toward overall social capital. Fortunately in the right hands, it is potentially one of, if not the most powerful tool in the engaged citizen’s arsenal.