[merlish]

I guess you could have just read a lot of books. I don't know if libraries are being closed down in the US, but that's happening a lot now in the UK for cost saving reasons/due to lack of demand.

With a computer & internet access, it's easier to stay isolated. Though I guess TV and radio, even newspapers and writing for pen pals also provides the same substitute sort of-interaction without actually having to interact.

For all the negatives (assuming we say 'all these people should just go out and socialize' - unfairly), I think online communities make a huge difference to those who are physically disabled, need to stay home to care for someone all the time, or are stuck in the arse end of nowhere.

There's still a certain sense of egalitarianism in internet forums. One commenter's opinion is (by default) worth the same as another's.

That said, in most open comment sections in modern times the actual 'community' part is underdeveloped. Everyone is so loud, there's always someone positively thrilled to play devil's advocate with maximal cynicism, always someone there to interpret a comment unfairly, precious little sympathy for the views of others.