Production and transformation of intangible capital in knowledge sharing: a case study of the Zhihu community in China

This study offers a nuanced exploration of knowledge-sharing behaviors within the Zhihu community, extending the application of Bourdieu's capital theory beyond mere description to a deeper analysis of the complexities surrounding the accumulation and transformation of various forms of capital. Through semi-structured interviews with 25 active users and a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative textual analysis and qualitative discourse analysis, we reveal the intricate dynamics of how users' prosocial contributions translate into tangible and intangible capital. Our findings advance the literature by demonstrating how the interplay between cultural, economic, social, and symbolic capital is not only a reflection of individual motivations but also a critical factor in the sustainability and growth of online communities. We uncover the mechanisms through which users' interactions lead to the production of intangible capital, which can be leveraged into tangible resources, such as career advancements and economic opportunities. This study contributes to a more profound understanding of the role of online platforms in facilitating the accumulation of different types of capital and challenges the simplistic view of capital acquisition in virtual environments.