Technically yes, but I don’t mean technology as phones/laptops/tablets/etc. Imho, the biggest factor in social isolation is atomization due to bad urban planning. When everything and anything is only accessible by car, you lose any connection with your local neighbourhood and local stores/cafes/etc.
In environments where people walk around the neighbourhood, doing small daily shops, going to local businesses and taking mass transit to work/school/restaurants/bars, then you’re much more likely to interact with people rather than driving around in your social isolation-mobile.
Urban planning can be considered a form of technology, which is why I said technically yes.
EDIT: Oh, another big factor here is the loss of the third place. It still exists in some places (local pubs in British towns, local coffee shop in Portugal, etc), but in places without a socially normal “hangout spot” that is separated from both home and work/school, it’s much harder to meet acquaintances which may in time become friends.
Social media are basically a replacement for the good old neighbourhood bar where kids used to play flippir/arcade after school, adult got their after work beer and so on.
Then places like sport/art clubs, worker union, political parties are great for socialising.
Finally don’t forget that you can socialise with your neighbour, it also contributes to everyone safety
This is a good way to put it.
Especially relevant now that public spaces are less and less accessible.
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