I don't know of the research.
The article does seem to make sense though. I imagine kids stuck on their computers and not out and about like it used to be.
As an adult I can see it in myself some too. I'd rather post some wacky ideas instead of finding real people to talk about whatever's on my mind. On one hand I think it's great. I keep myself anonymous and maybe I'm a little different online than in real life because I hide behind the screen with very little real identity.
But on the other hand Internet folk aren't people you meet or really interact with. There's no vested interest and sometimes you post something without any response - which, ok, might happen in the real world too but real friends are better at listening. imho.
How many posts in this forum are of the type like, "please help me, I am not sure how to relate to people"? Or posters getting pissed about being addicted to the Internet and not going out? There might be something to this. Online games or TV are other sources of not interacting in real life.
Someone who is already prone to being recluse could take to the online world and never see the light of day and feel fine - until they realize they don't know anybody for real - just their online facade.
I don't know - just a warning if you are a parent. Keep your kids involved with real people.
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