Does your computer make you less social?

Not really. the only time I'm really on the computer is usually when my kids are sleeping. All I'm missing out on is a few TV shows.

I tend to prefer to spend time on my computer than to be around other people. I'm not sure I can blame that on the computer though. I probably would find another reason if there were no computers;-)

Since I am very introverted, I love having a way to communicate with people without having to see them in person, look them in the eye, perceive their body language, and all the other things that make me nervous. My computer has allowed me to become more reclusive than I've ever been in my life.

I do not think that I behave any different in company than I did before I used a computer, so from this point of view it does not affect me. The only way in which I could qualify as less social is that I spend most of my spare time on my computer and do not meet people as much as I would do otherwise. This makes no difference to my interaction with people, possibly because I work full time and meet people during the course of the day anyway.

i agree, and especially for those with children it can become a problem, i have two and so a lot of the time i will leave a window open and stay standing to type or do something and go back to playing with my kids as opposed to sitting down and getting really involved and not paying attention to them. I want to try and make the effort just to not bother with it when theyre awake. Its not likely when im 50 and my children are grown and gone im going to look back and think wow i really wish i had spent more time sitting in front of my computer, but the opposite could easily happen looking back and thinking i wish i had spent more time with my children. Everything in moderation is a good motto to live by. I think it can also be the only interaction some people have if theyre not able to leave their home for any number of reasons, also for people suffering with conditions such as depression and may not want to talk to their family about things not being isolated is a big key in preventing depression from deepening and this could provide the anonymity they are seeking as well as allowing them to connect with others. Good discussion +

I observe it too, because whenever i have a breaktime in the office i never bother to eat lunch with my officemates even they invite me , as long i am surfing in mylot keeps me busy.

no, i don't think so, on you computer you just socialice in another way... Talk with friends on MSN, Skype, or whatever... And it's not like i don't see people in real life ;)

YES!!! Sinse I came to Mylot, I am addicted to it and just about stopped going out with my friends! We all use to go out at least twice a week but any more I find I like staying home on my computer. Now I go out only about once a month even though my friends are always asking for me. I tell my mom to tell them I am sleeping, or sick, or out babysitting etc. etc.. I know it is wrong and I really LIKE my friends, and enjoy going out but sinse I got this darn computer, I am hooked on it! I think it is making me a hermit!!!

I know it's true for a lot of people but the time I spend on here is the time I wouldn't be around other people anyway. I know it can really hurt if someone ends up spending more time on the computer than with family or friends.

Yes! If I'm not careful my computer keeps me away from my friends an even family. I notice that whenever I'm on my computer and the phone or the bell interrupts me I feel really mad. I am trying to spend less time online and forcing myself to speak to people face to face.