Since publishing Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam has said we need to develop new kinds of connections when old ones die. Electronic links often are considered part of the problem, but he believes they could also be part of the solution. Indeed, psychology professor Jean Twenge’s analysis of survey results from one million American teens led her to conclude that the happiest teens are those who make use of digital media, but do so for only a limited amount of time. The risks of extensive social media use are illustrated by a 2017 University of Pittsburgh national study of adults ages 19 through 32. The study found that “the more time a young adult uses social media, the more likely they are to feel socially isolated,” and that “frequency of use was [also] associated with increased social isolation.” The study could not establish whether increased use caused social isolation or whether those who were already socially isolated made more extensive use of social media.] 

Questions 

1. On balance, do you think social media use builds social relationships or increases social isolation? Explain.

2. How might our ethical standards and performances be affected by excessive reliance on social technology?