Readers discuss the Internet's impact on social life

Does the Internet augment or prevent meaningful human interaction? Tell us what you think.

In the May-June 2010 issue, Undergraduate columnist Spencer Lenfield ’12 assesses Internet forums, asking why their popularity among Harvard students dies out as suddenly as it initially snowballs. "It's thrilling to find that there's someone out there who thinks the same thoughts as you," he concludes, "but, in the end, it's not very helpful." Read the column, and then tell us:

 

What has been your experience with online social interaction? Does the Internet augment and enable your social life, or is it simply a tool for procrastination and the avoidance of real, meaningful human contact?

 

See what other readers are saying, and then join the conversation by leaving your own comment. (This discussion is moderated, so your comment may not appear immediately.)

Related topics

You might also like

TKTKTKT Bunny Love Questionnaire

Tell us a story about the unique relationships between the animals in your life.

Making Waves with Philosophy

A conversation with Harvard professor Michael Sandel

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.

Most popular

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

The Loneliness Pandemic

As the country isolates, are we all alone?

Vikram Patel

He wanted to be a chef, but instead became a leader in global health

Explore More From Current Issue

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way arching over a rocky silhouette.

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.