How has the internet affected your socializing skills

Question

I think that the internet has made me more socially awkward. Before I spent so much time online, I was a social butterfly (well, not exactly, but I was pretty social), and now, I barely even go out anymore. I think that the internet has all affected our social lives in some way or another. How has it affected yours?

On another note, I went to a LAN center today with some friends, and one time I overheard this guy and girl talking to each other. From what I surmised, the guy was into the girl but she was hesitant about him; though she didn't seem completely turned off. They were just standing and talking to each other before they proceeded to take a seat at two computers next to each other to continue their conversation on AIM. My jaw dropped when I saw this - as a guy in his position I personally think one would be way better off talking to someone they were interested in face to face. No one can deny that the internet is a great tool and all that nonsense we've all heard countless times, but all this online chatting is ruining the art of conversation. It takes more balls to face your confrontations face to face than face to screen.

Answer 1

very much,bro!

I am addicted to internet =(

Answer 2

Personally, I think I still do O.K., because I work in a job where social skills are ever present and vital, (teaching ), however, I agree that the internet has had a huge negative effect on social skills and even simple skills such as written communication. Some of my students can hardly spell at all without a 'spellchecker'.

Many students lock themselves away in their online world, in IM or using games and live imaginary lives through these applications.

The problem is that the internet is also enabling those who seek enlightenment and education to know more than ever before, and experience things that without access to online information would be missing from their lives.

So it's a double edged sword, one that can help people flourish, or condemn them to a socially awkward lifestyle.