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Cited by 918Information Society and Technology TrendsContemporary Social and Educational IssuesSocial Capital and Networks

Computer Networks As Social Networks

Wellman, Barry·2001·Science
DOI 10.1126/science.1065547
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Abstract

Computer networks are inherently social networks, linking people, organizations, and knowledge. They are social institutions that should not be studied in isolation but as integrated into everyday lives. The proliferation of computer networks has facilitated a deemphasis on group solidarities at work and in the community and afforded a turn to networked societies that are loosely bounded and sparsely knit. The Internet increases people's social capital, increasing contact with friends and relatives who live nearby and far away. New tools must be developed to help people navigate and find knowledge in complex, fragmented, networked societies.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1126/science.1065547

Cites

51 of 51 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Computer networks are social networks.

    “As suggested by sociologists, computer networks are social networks (Wellman, 2001).”

    From Interaction and cognitive engagement: An analysis of four asynchronous online discussions (2006) · cites this paper as Wellman, 2001

  • Social media can facilitate online social connections and reduce negative emotions such as stress, loneliness, depression, and social isolation, thus beneficial to users' PWB.

    “Some studies have observed a negative relationship while others have acknowledged that a positive association exists as social media can facilitate online social connections [117] and reduce the levels of negative emotions and feelings, such as stress, loneliness, depression, and the sense of social isolation [48], thus beneficial to users’ PWB.”

    From How social media usage affects psychological and subjective well-being: testing a moderated mediation model (2023) · cites this paper as [117]

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Authors
Wellman, B.
Affiliations
University of Toronto (CA)
Corresponding author
Wellman, Barry
ORCID
Wellman, Barry
Venue
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Published
2001-09-14
Volume
293
Issue
5537
Pages
2031-2034
ISSN
  • 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
  • 1095-9203
DOI
10.1126/science.1065547
OpenAlex
W2090530117
Cited by
918
References
51
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 27 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 31 · 2016: 37 · 2015: 34 · 2014: 53 · 2013: 57 · 2012: 50
FWCI
211.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › General Social Sciences › Information Society and Technology Trends
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Contemporary Social and Educational Issues
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Capital and Networks
Keywords
computer networks, social networks, network society, social capital, internet, social institutions, group solidarity, knowledge navigation
MeSH terms
Computer Communication Networks, Humans, Social Support, Community Networks, Internet

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