Social capital may turn out to be a prerequisite for, rather than a consequence of, effective computer-mediated communication.

None of the people watching 'Big Brother' will bring you chicken soup if you get sick.

Young Americans are dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic rate.

People may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there.

A society that relies on generalized reciprocity is more efficient than a distrustful society, for the same reason that money is more efficient than barter. Trust lubricates social life. Networks of civic engagement also facilitate coordination and communication and amplify information about the trustworthiness of other individuals.

Social capital may turn out to be a prerequisite for, rather than a consequence of, effective computer-mediated communication.

How well you do in life shouldn't depend on how well your parents did.