Okay, I think part of the problem is that the article is talking about several different sets of data, so I’m gonna take it from the top because all the “theys” are getting me muddled. Okay, more muddled.
When the article refers to “Duke researchers,” they mean the General Social Survey.You can download the paper here. It concerned relationships where the subject discussed important matters. It was entirely up the respondent to interpret "important." It did not ask how the relationship originated; they’re described in a few kin and non-kin categories.
There is also the Pew/Internet project, which has done a bunch of surveys. This one seems the most relevant. It doesn’t ask how a relationship formed, either, that I see, but it does discuss how it is maintained -- what means of communication are used, how often, etc.
The GSS found that people reported fewer “confidants” than in 1985. The GSS people are sad. Although they do note that using the word "discuss" may have led literally-minded respondents to only report vocal communication. Pew surveys report that people use the net to expand and maintain their social networks. The Pew people are pretty darn happy. Again, neither identified friendships that formed online as separate from any other kind of friendship.
Now, to the article. There’s this bit -- I’m adding the previous paragraph because it affects how I read the one that bugged you.
The impact goes beyond the individual, as well. "There are effects on my neighbors of my not knowing them," he said. For one thing, "If I don't know them well and they don't know me, that has a demonstrable effect on the crime rate."
Dr. Horrigan said there was anecdotal evidence that some members of a community use e-mail and the Internet "to keep up with people very close by." The Internet can help expand social networks, although the ties it creates are not as strong as those the Duke researchers are concerned with. Yet they can be useful.
I read it as, they're not talking about dinner plans but rather, "I'm gonna be out of town for a week, so keep an eye on my house." I can see what was jumping out at you now, though. But when he says “community” I’m pretty sure he means a real-world community. And the bit about “strong ties” is referring to the GSS “confidant” relationship.
Of course, I think people here develop extremely close relationships without any face-to-face interaction. I think lots of people who socialize online do. But I don’t think that is typical for the population at large. Yet.
Poking head to post that, according to the Buffista Calendar, today is a double Buffista event, with sj's birthday and Beverly and her DH's anniversary. Lots of wishes for a great day and a wonderful year to them all!
Just a Joss fan in need of some help.
And I'm really new here, so I THINK this is where I'm supposed to be posting it, but if not, I am SO sorry. If ignorance is bliss, I'm a very happy guy indeed...
Just trying to get people to this site to check out. I'm a dedicated Browncoat and long-time Joss fan that's trying to get his hands on a new wheelchair-equipped van. I started a web page just for the heck of it, to see if anyone out there on the web might be willing to throw a donation or two my way, and was blown away at the response. I've raised over $14,000 so far. And have ended up being a media story. There's a link on the site to the video of the news story on me on our local CBS affialiate (I was also on the UPN channel earlier in the day, and hoping to get that video file up this week as well).
Things are getting down to the wire, and I'm looking for ways to spread the word, so thought I might try here and reach a few follow Joss fans. So if you feel like checking out the site--and might be willing to spread it around a little--you can check it out here:
"the I Need a Van page
And if that holds no interest for you, at least let me try to entertain you a little. I write an online comic called "The Nice Guy", one that we've used continually to push Firefly and Serenity, and sneak in our occassional Buffy joke when we can. The site's at:
The Nice Guy
To check out the story of my trip to the Serenity premiere (and getting to meet Joss and the cast), check out:
One Night in Serenity
And, finally, to read our Halloween strip we did with a Buffy twist, check out:
Gods and Slayers
Thanks for your time, and now it's time to see if I made this HTML thing work on this post...
Michael O'Connell
Happy Birthday, sj!
Happy Anniversary, Beverly and DH!
I just realized, that if everything goes according to plan, I'm gonna get to share my brithday cake (which normally I'd forgoe, but mom says there must be cake) with my nephew. He is obsessed with birthday cakes. Toddler on sugar! SO MUCH FUN!
Both cats stole my pillows this morning. Waking up with cats who barely tolerate each other flanking your head and staring at you is a bit much.
sara, when is your birthday?
Next sunday. Normally it is low key, but since I'm going to be visiting my parents, there'll be more of a hullaballoo. Especially if my brother and nephew make it.
hullaballoo
OK, I like this word.
Sharing (or even only almost sharing) a birthday with a nephew sounds like fun, at least to me - what with his enjoyment of the whole thing.
It really does sound fun, Sarameg. I hope it works out.
The great thing about going to bed early is that even if you sleep in (10 hours, whee) you don't lose half the day.
I am beyond happy that the rain predicted for today has now been pushed until tomorrow. I need today to be my productive day and tomorrow to be my rest day at home.
