I think it's really a your mileage may
vary kind of thing. For some, the internet and social network is a substitute for real life community activity. For some it's a complement. For some of the former it provides outlets they wouldn't otherwise have, for others it crowds out meatspace reality. For me, personally, it keeps me a bit in touch with people I wouldn't otherwise have much to do with and also strengthens ties with people I do see.
