We don't ride in horse buggies any more, we don't use hurricane lamps to light our kids homework and nobody appears to find that a problem, but for some reason a new technology like the Internet or txt messaging creates all kinds of moral panic and dark warnings that we are on the glide-path to hell unless we revert to our previous behaviours of, well, being couch potatoes.

Fortunately, we are collectively not only smarter than that, we are vastly more adaptable than we are given credit for by the guardians of the status quo. Technology hasn't made us hermits: study

Contrary to popular belief, technology is not leading to social isolation and people who use the internet and mobile phones have larger and more diverse social networks, according to a new study.

"All the evidence points in one direction," said Keith Hampton, lead author of the report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project released on Wednesday. "People's social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies.

[...] The authors said key findings of the study - "Social Isolation and New Technology" - "challenge previous research and commonplace fears about the harmful social impact of new technology."

[...] "It turns out that those who use the internet and mobile phones have notable social advantages," Hampton said. "People use the technology to stay in touch and share information in ways that keep them socially active and connected to their communities."The study found that six per cent of Americans can be described as socially isolated - lacking anyone to discuss important matters with or who they consider to be "especially significant" in their life.

That figure has hardly changed since 1985, it said.

Almost certainly those who were socially adept before have remained socially adept, and those who are less so may even have gained some benefits from being able to socialise without the often unfair advantages held by those who are louder, more physically commanding or more articulate.

The old adage of the Internet was that nobody knew you were a dog, but more importantly, nobody knows that you are small, quiet, have a speech impediment or take twice as long as average to think through your statements. The Internet provides a level playing field for the first time in history and most of us will benefit from that.

Those who are used to having control of the message or the medium and who have taken personal or organisational advantage of that are the ones who are making the most noise about how the net is not fair on them.

It reminds me of the research done in coed classrooms where teachers pay strictly equal attention to every member of the class. The ones who are used to getting the lion's share of attention feel highly discriminated against. So it is with the Internet and it applies at every scale; governments who can no longer control public discourse, corporations who can't "market" half truths and individuals who find bullying so much harder when everyone has the same voice and the same volume.

Its not perfect and wont ever be, but it is different and it is more equitable and it will take a while for us all to get used to the idea that this is just the way we do things now.

Those who suffer will not be those who dive in, but those who refuse to play in the new playground. Which label best fits your organisation? Gory details, arguments and alternative data always welcome in the comments.

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