From Bowling Alleys to Social Networks: Evolving Metrics of Community Connectedness and Their Economic Implications October 2024 Paper Description: This study explores the evolving landscape of social capital measure ment in community development. We contrast the “bowling alone” method of quantifying social capital via the presence of local civic institutions (e.g., churches, bowling alleys) with the more recent social network data approaches, which uses billions of social media friendship connections to measure economic connectedness, social cohesion, and civic engagement at the neighborhood level. Our analysis provides both an exploration of the statistical and spatial differences be tween these two data measures, and a descriptive analysis of how each corresponds with local development outcomes, such as job creation and per-capita income growth. Relation to Conference Theme: Our research illuminates how communities can forge in novative pathways to prosperity by leveraging both traditional and digital approaches to social capital measurement. By comparing traditional and innovative measurement approaches, we provide a nuanced analysis of how technological advances are transforming our understanding of community connections and offering new pathways for fostering thriving communities. This work directly or indirectly addresses all three pillars of the conference theme: technological integration, people-driven solutions, and place-based collaboration. On the technological integration front, we explore how social media data analytics can pro vide insights into community connectivity patterns. This emerging methodology complements traditional measures, offering communities powerful new tools for understanding their social fab ric. Regarding people-driven solutions, our research demonstrates how different measurement approaches capture varying aspects of how community members actually connect and engage with one another, both through traditional civic institutions and digital networks. The place based collaboration aspect is central to our findings, as we examine how these measurement approaches can help communities identify and strengthen regional connection patterns. By un derstanding both physical and virtual corridors of interaction, communities can better target their development efforts and foster regional prosperity. Keywords: social capital, community development, social media, network
