Evaluating the Value of Social Networks

A.Fine Blog on Evaluating the Value of Social Networks. If friend joins friend joins friends of friends in a cause-related action that comes to nothing, does the residual value of the network itself still have value? You could also ask: Does it have value as a means to an end? As an end in itself? That is, mights social capital or cohesion or solidarity in itself be part of what we mean by "human flourishing?" I would say so. I want to live in a society where many and diverse networks of solidarity criss-cross in all directions, not only in friendship, but in civic friendship for public-spirited ends. Whether those ends are achieved or not, such solidarity is part of what makes life worth living. (I mean it beats tv, and most other ultimate ends.)