I think the internet allows us to be socially lazy, but doesnt stunt our growths. Computers are causing an increase in the average person's 'comfort zone'. Do I go out less because of the internet, probably yes, am I socially inept as a result, not at all. I meet alot more people of varying backgrounds because of the internet. People you wouldn't normally interact with for iinstance. I think the internet has the potential of breaking down alot of geographic borders and fostering a better sense of understanding between people of different colors, races, religions, etc, you dont see that on the internet.
It's a trade off of course, but there are plenty of positive social aspects to it. People are alot more likely to be rude or cruel on the internet. I am a very polite person by nature, but I even have the tendancy to hammer people from time to time on the net.... I do believe it desensitizes us to other peoples feelings or emotions, we dont always see them as human beings with emotions, just electronic identities. Thats another big difference, how close people with pure eletronic conversations become.. This community for instance, how much do any of us really know about one other, families, friends, hobbies, favorite foods, etc? Ive been involved in this project for 10 months or so, and I know really very little about most everyone here. Its just a nature of the game for the most part..
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