The document discusses social capital and the networked public sphere in the context of social media and political participation. It defines key concepts like the public sphere, social capital, bridging and bonding capital. An analysis of a Norwegian political party's online community found it partially embodied characteristics of a public sphere and demonstrated how social capital operates. Participation increased social capital and social ties within and between online groups, showing how the networked public sphere and social capital can mutually reinforce political discussion and civic engagement.