A Framework for Studying the Problem of Trust in Online Settings

The possibilities for entering into social relationships via digital technologies such as the internet have undoubtedly multiplied since the beginning of the 21st century. If relationships established ‘online’ involve uncertainty and vulnerability just like ‘offline’ relationships, we need to take a close look at online trust. We conceptualize ‘online trust’ broadly as the social accomplishment of having positive mutual expectations in an online setting which may still be disappointed and abused. More importantly, we are concerned in this chapter with the fact that the ‘online world’ is, of course, not separate from offline reality, meaning in particular that any harm – as well as any good – done on the internet will mostly have offline consequences, too. This is the case, at least, in social relationships that are technologically mediated but ultimately connecting human actors. ABsTRAcT