Proof of X
> At their core, social networks are primarily about one thing: Building social capital through signaling.Maybe for the author.People also use social networks without expecting or requiring any net social "capital" benefit through "signalling".Examples:- keeping in touch with people (privately or publicly)- inform others about something they may be interested in (without needing or requiring acknowledgement)- lessening loneliness- gathering or dispensing intel on a topic- filling in time / looking for entertainmentI 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.