The Smithsonian's How Technology Makes Us Better Social Beings covers research showing that online social networks like Facebook may make us more social. Key quote:
“There has been a great deal of speculation about the impact of social networking site use on people’s social lives, and much of it has centered on the possibility that these sites are hurting users’ relationships and pushing them away from participating in the world,” ..... “We’ve found the exact opposite—that people who use sites like Facebook actually have more close relationships and are more likely to be involved in civic and political activities.”
The study the article references found that Facebook users:
- Are more trusting of others
- Have more close relationships
- Get more social support
- Are more politically engaged
Interesting stuff. It also fits nicely with some of the work we've been doing that shows online networks are leading to more local interaction.
The research was conducted by University of Pennsylvania sociologist Keith Hampton and Pew Internet. The full research report can be found at Pew Internet.