A recent study conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project has shown that users who have an immense online presence on social networking websites such as, Facebook and Twitter tend to have a much bigger social circle, at times even bigger than the people who frequent parties and social gatherings. The new conclusion directly negates the age old myth that, online activities leads to increased isolation and deterioration in interaction skills.

However, in the year 2008, a similar study was conducted, that included the interviews of 2,512 adults and the results showed that, the users who had participated complained of a reduced close social circle. As per the participants, the number of people close to them, who could term as confidante had greatly reduced. Yet, the drop in the number of confidantes could not be related to online activities or the internet on the whole.

The recent study argues that, the immense boom in technology and the ease at which places can be located and also the essential facts provided by the internet about such places has greatly simplified travel for the users. This is because, users know beforehand which place to visit, where to stay, what to do etc.

Personal interaction has also been greatly increased with the help of the internet and mobile technology, that enables a user to stay in touch with his friends and family, no matter where ever he is. The study shows that, nowadays people prefer to make calls from a cell phone, than use a landline. Also, the text messages that are available on the cell phones are being used as a constant means of communication.

Via Associated Press.