The internet and cell phones are bringing people together, not
tearing us apart—at least, according to a new survey released
today by the Pew Internet and American Life project. The
research followed up a shocking 2006 study, which found that
American social networks were rapidly contracting and that 25%
of Americans reported that they had not one close friend or
family member to confide in. In contrast, Pew researchers found
that just 6% of those surveyed reported having no intimate
relationships. Unfortunately, the new study did confirm the
other findings, showing that Americans today do have far fewer
close relationships than they did as recently as 1985. According
to both studies, the average social network shrunk by one-third
since 1985—and more people today are relying only on spouses or
family members for emotional support. Intriguingly, however,
internet and cell phone use didn’t replace close ties with more
superficial contacts. Instead, people who most relied on these
communication tools had a large