Examining information sharing in social networking communities: Applying theories of social capital and attachment

• We investigated social networking communities users’ social capital elements and information sharing behaviors.
• Information sharing behaviors were measured by the lens of identity-and bond-based attachment.
• We conduct surveys and apply structural equation model to find the causal relationship.
• Results indicated that social capital element factors significantly affect the attachment.
• The findings explain why users share their information in social networking communities.

Information sharing is one of the essential functions in social networking sites. Social linkages through interaction has grown explosively ever since. However, there are little theoretically explained what factors have different effects for on the members’ activity. We bring an attachment theory from social psychology literature to understand how online members exchange their information. We studied information sharing behavior in groups on SNSs from the perspective of information contributors and their characteristics by using the lens of identity-and bond-based attachment theory. We collected 502 data using an online survey of the members who joined groups (open, closed, secret) such as school alumni in South Korea. We tested with a structural equation model (SEM) for research model by AMOS using the survey data. Network externality, social interaction, enjoyment of helping, and self-image expression are significant for the two types of attachments. Interestingly, identity-based attachment showed much stronger impact on information sharing.