Reply #9: There are pros and cons, and certainly room for abuse

[bhikkhu]

I don't disagree that electronic media are leading to much more general isolation these days than was normal before - the iconic image of a room full of people oblivious to each other, diddling with their ipods, cell phone, gameboys, etc. But on the other hand isolation is very real for many who work long hours or are buried in study and obligations, whose family lives out of easy travel distance, who for whatever reason don't have a ready circle of friends, or people who are bound to their house by disability or giving care to others. In a very real way electronic social networking allows many people to stay connected and to feel connected to society, which is vastly important.

In my case I use facebook to keep up with my extended family. all of whom live elsewhere. It gives a very real feeling of keeping loved ones close in mind, and is very much nicer than a weekly or monthly phone call, or a yearly visit.