Question 1

Q.1.1

Q.1.2

First of all, the digital divide refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern in formation and technology, and those that have restricted or no access (Digital Divide, n.d).
These include cellphones, computers, internet, television etc.

And social capital, as described in Wikipedia; "social capital is a form of economic and cultural capital in which social networks are central, transactions are marked by reciprocity, trust, and cooperation, and market agents produce good and services not mainly for themselves, but for a common good" (Social Capital, 2016).
With "cultural capital" referring to non financial social assets that promotes a social mobility beyond any economic means. Compared to "economic capital" being the amount of risk capital assessed on a realistic basis (Social Capital, 2016).

This question aims to determine how internet access would implicate social capital.
 
Since the 1990s the internet has affected the way people go about their everyday life
 (Huysman, Wulf, 2002).

There are two main trend we can follow to understand the impact of digital divide. 
#1 The way we communicate has had the biggest impact.
Social contact has changed completely because of the internet. This includes interpersonal communications, visits, encounters, phone calls and social events (Huysman et al. 2002).

The consequences of this is more on a mental level the way kids grow up and the way they see adults interact will have a lasting affect on them. As more and more people are relying on indirect communication. Usually in the form of social media and e-mails. People will lose their "people skills" (so to say) as actual human interaction is and will become less and less. Whether that is good or bad is a debatable subject.

#2 Civic engagement; which is the degree to which people become involved within their community. Actively and passively. These will include political and organizational activities such as rallies, book clubs and sports clubs (Huysman et al. 2002).

So in a broader sense, the internet diminishes on social capital, as it tends to draw people away from family and friends (actual human interaction) as said above but at the same time it also transforms social capital in the sense that it provides efficient communication any where in the world. So when it comes to the consequences of civic engagement its provides a larger net-work to get a certain message out or to spread news faster. It creates a larger network.