Social capital -- the benefit of Facebook 'friends' Feb. 21, 2013 - Intense Facebook usage is found to have a positive effect on psychological well-being, according to a new study.. A recent study in Behaviour & Information Technology investigated the role Facebook use plays in the creation or maintenance of social capital among 800 students from 7 universities in South Africa. Empirical research has linked social capital to many positives in society, such as improved mental and physical health and economic well-being. The study suggests a strong association between the intensity of Facebook use and perceived bridging, bonding and maintaining of social capital. Facebook usage was also found to interact with measures of psychological well-being, suggesting that it might be beneficial to students experiencing low self-esteem and low life satisfaction. Kevin Johnston, Maureen Tanner, Nishant Lalla, Dori Kawalski. Social capital: the benefit of Facebook "friends." Behaviour & Information Technology, 2013; 32 (1): 24 DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2010.550063