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That's right - being connected to someone on a computer is not the same as being physically with them. But you also aren't alone, either.

Significantly better than nothing.

It actually might be worse. I hypothesize that the kinds of interactions we have online are the social equivalent of "empty calories". They tweak the brain's reward mechanism for socializing without actually getting any of the real benefits.

Oh man, I think you hit on something there. You get all of the satisfaction of interaction, but don't have to worry about being challenged, learning from any mistakes, or really learning anything; you can block anything you don't like.

I think you're onto something with that.