Proof of X
> At their core, social networks are primarily about one thing: Building social capital through signaling.<p>Maybe for the author.<p>People also use social networks without expecting or requiring any net social "capital" benefit through "signalling".<p>Examples:<p>- keeping in touch with people (privately or publicly)<p>- inform others about something they may be interested in (without needing or requiring acknowledgement)<p>- lessening loneliness<p>- gathering or dispensing intel on a topic<p>- filling in time / looking for entertainment<p>I can readily think of many more reasons than the singlular one of signalling to heighten social status. I'm sure that occurs, but listing it as a primary reason cast the article immediately in disfavour for this reader.