How does technology affect social interaction and community life?

• A. Technology only reduces face-to-face contact.
• B. Technology only increases social capital.
• C. Technology changes communication patterns, fosters online networks, can enhance or reduce social capital and in-person interaction.
• D. Technology has no impact on social networks.

Answer: (C)

Technology reshapes how we relate to others. It changes communication patterns by enabling faster, more flexible, and mediated ways of staying in touch—texting, video calls, social media, online forums—so interactions can be asynchronous, broad in reach, or more frequent than before. It also creates online networks and communities around shared interests, identities, or goals, which can extend our social world beyond geographical limits.

These online ties can build social capital by increasing access to information, support, and diverse networks, and by facilitating collaboration and civic engagement. At the same time, they can reduce or replace in-person contact, or lead to superficial connections and echo chambers, which may diminish the depth of relationships or trust in some contexts. The net effect depends on how technology is used, who has access, and how platforms are designed and integrated into daily life. In short, technology changes how we communicate, expands online communities, and can either strengthen or weaken social capital and in-person interaction.