Surprising common sense and putting it in check survey in 2006, a study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that people who use the internet and have a cell phone has a bigger and more diverse social network.

According to the study, the isolation rate of U.S. citizens remains the same in 1985: 6% of Americans feel they do not have with whom to discuss important issues. But the possession of a cell and participation in a variety of activities on the Internet were associated with greater and more extensive range of friends.

This is because the use of these services actually causes people to be more inter-connected and more open to communication. Data from Pew Internet shows that people who share photos online are more likely to discuss politics with people from other parties, and bloggers are 72% more likely to participate in a voluntary association site.

The conclusion is that although people spend more time in front of computer screens, it does not bring harm to their relationships in real life. The results show that social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace encourage groups in which there is a greater likelihood of relationship between people with different life experiences, which is an advantage in terms of diversity.

Another finding of the study is that, although many believe the Internet as a means of global communication, people are using their tools, including social networks, email and instant messaging mechanisms to talk to people very close, as friends who live in the same area.

Via: CNET News.