Of Autos, the Internet and the new General Store

Some would claim that we have become increasingly socially isolated as a result of the internet. However, more recent research is suggesting the opposite. You have already read the research reports on the subject. Personally, my own opinion (please note this is MY opinion) is that far from tearing us apart, it is actually bringing us together and even strengthening social ties.

In many ways, it was the automobile which "drove" us apart. Prior to the advent of the automobile people tended to live, work, shop, go to church and engage in various social activities within a fairly constricted area and with the same people.

The automobile made it possible for you to work in one part of town, shop in another, go to a club in another part of town and attend church the next town over. Our social lives fragmented we had coworkers, business associates, the guys/girls at the gym and fellow students as fairly distinct categories. Frequently none of them lived in our neighborhoods.

Geography which previously drew people together now separated them. However, the internet, and particularly Web 2.0 technology, has begun to undo that fragmentation. I have reconnected recently with people I knew years ago and lost track of until I saw them responding to a Facebook post of a friend.

It's a new dynamic that is recreating the pickle barrel at the general store. The neighborhood is much bigger and more diverse, but the conversation is pretty much the same.

What do you think about this? Agree. Disagree. Post your comments below if you wish.