Many people point to social media as an expansion of human relationships. Indeed, it is true that the number of personal contacts is often greater but the quality of relationships is also very important. Richard Stivers notes:
“The more time individuals spent online, the more they experienced loneliness and depression. Increased Internet use obviously results in loss of time for actual friends. Relationships that are not based on shared responsibilities and shared difficulties are superficial and ultimately unsatisfactory. The quality and content of communication are more important than the mere quantity.” (Richard Stivers, The Illusion of Freedom and Equality, State University of New York Press, Albany, 2008, p.52.)