A systematic literature review (SLR): How do social networks increase social capital?

Real and legal people are seeking to increase their social capital via social networks all over the world. Therefore, most recent studies on networks focus on the way of increasing social capital in this way, and each of them has addressed this issue from one aspect. The present research aimed to provide an integrated literature review and develop a comprehensive model for promoting social capital via social networks. The research method had a systematic literature review (SLR) type. Open, axial, and selective coding methods were used for data analysis. In this search, 2338 documents were found and 46 ones were selected for in-depth review after applying exclusion criteria. Therefore, the obtained narratives were categorized into 66 codes, 14 sub-categories, and 5 main categories. This research led to the creation of a new model that included the following categories: The user’s motivation to use social networks, the technical and media structures of social networks, the intensity and use of networks, the individual’s behavior in social networks (communication and participation, observer, grouping, helping, self-disclosure, applying rational criteria of benefit-cost, and enjoyment and entertainment), bonding social capital, bridging social capital, and maintenance of social capital. This model can be a basis for increasing social capital via social media.