Greetings all,
I heard this discussed briefly on NPR(US Nat'l Public Radio), and don't
agree given my personal experiences. Gregarious people living in rural
areas can expand their personal contacts in a focused fashion using topic
classified lists. Sort of like a short wave radio with a searching filter
to locate others with similiar interests.
This can (& has) lead to the establishment of many fruitful relationships,
which can be followed up by in person meetings and relationships. If a
person is using the Internet as an escape (like tv, or video games, or even
reading), then lonliness may be reinforced.
To blame the technology seems a bit hasty at this point. Do people blame
the telephone for excessive verbal interaction & resultant decline in
psychological wellbeing? Maybe.. I remain unconvinced, particularly given
the value judgements implicit in the social sciences.
Steve
