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In the old-fashioned world of tribal societies, all human relationships are immediate and face-to-face. As societies get larger and more complex, the relationships tend to become less immediate, more distant and the consequences of behaviors are less profound. Obviously.
Anthropologists who have studied small-scale hunting-gathering societies are always struck by the high degree of social control. On the internet, people can choose when, how, and in what manner to communicate with people. I don't have to respond to you; I can move shop to another board; I don't have to deal with anything, really. I'm safe in my home or in my office or wherever. You're not "real" so I don't have to deal with differences.
It's a mixed bag. Electronic devices allow you to be very selective in who you interact with and when. The internet is a shortcut to finding people with similar interests. People need to ask themselves, Am I sacrificing diversity for an increased comfort zone in my interactions? Am I sacrificing variety for more control and personal security?
My own answers to the above are that the internet increases the diversity of people I meet.
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