[spikeagally]

>> Definitely yes. It was a miracle when in started, it changed everything.

Just because it “changed everything” doesn’t mean it was a benefit to humanity. In what ways would you say it has been beneficial for humanity? We already have plenty of communication tools for keeping in touch with friends.

[allarm]

I can’t think of any tools that allowed building a social graph. It was a novelty back in 00 and it was nice to have your close circle be easily discoverable and reachable. In a sense of discoverability social media was a benefit to many, many people. Before that it was ICQ/other ims and email only. And before that I had to write down the contact details; I remember having physical notebooks with addresses and phone numbers of people, back in early 90s. Don’t you think it was a nice thing to finally be able to easily connect with people?

[spikeagally]

It’s nice. It’s useful. I totally agree. But “Benefit for humanity” sounds much more grandiose and undeservingly so in my opinion.

[allarm]

Maybe. I rather opposed it to a harm to humanity. I’m not ready to discuss the absolute values. Let’s say I see the Internet as an absolute benefit to humanity and the social networks are (were) a useful part of it.

[ipaddr]

It doesn't have to be. You recycling your pop can is a benefit for society.

[zimpenfish]

> We already have plenty of communication tools for keeping in touch with friends.

Nothing that covers the same gamut of easy to use, easy to find people, etc.