Reminds me of another quote from C.S. Lewis (who was cited in the article) on the subject.

"Even on those rear occasions when a modern undergraduate is not attending some such society he is seldom engaged in those solitary walks, or walks with a single companion, which built the minds of the previous generations. He lives in a crowd; caucus has replaced friendship."

- C.S. Lewis from the essay "Membership" in "The Weight of Glory"