We should not rely on the Internet for human interaction and friendship.
Shirky says that many fear “the decay of face-to-face contact” as a result of digital media use, but he argues that digital media instead brings people together (38). Though it can be said the Internet does make planning and spreading information easier, we do not believe this means that our ability to communicate face-to-face has not declined.
Some may think that face-to-face communication is becoming unnecessary since we have other ways of communicating, but communicating in person allows for emotions and impressions that are difficult to portray or interpret online to be shared. The ability to have a meaningful face-to-face conversation with someone is something that will probably atrophy if it is not practiced. In interacting with people, we give and receive visual cues, and the intonation of our voices also conveys information. If we become unaccustomed to communicating with these cues, our interactions could become less meaningful.
Skype and AOL Instant Messenger are convenient ways to communicate with people directly, either by automatic text or video calling. While helpful tools to correspond with people you do not see or live near on a regular basis, relying solely on these as communication tools can manipulate the way people view each other. Direct communication is a benefit of Internet correspondence; however, it can provide a person with a sense of disconnect, as well as contribute to their dependence on the Internet to find a meaningful relationship. We believe that conducting friendships face-to-face as much as possible provides for a real connection between people representing who they truly are, not just their online persona.