Have advancements in technology affected human relationships for the better? Opinions please!?

[Zoe]

As my EPQ, Extended Project Qualification, I have decided to research this question and am looking for as many arguments and opinions as possible, any answers are very much appreciated!

This question includes the ideas of social networking, dating sites, more travel options, mobiles/mobile internet ect. Do you think these new technologies have helped us expand our opportunities to make new friendships and meet people we would have never otherwise have met? Or do they allow us to be lazy and objectify our conversations to a tiny, little thought out text or a post on someones Facebook Wall?

Thankyou in advance!

[dee]

Yes. HEre's a simple example:

In Jane austen's Pride and Prejudice, there is no communication unless it's by hired post. therefore, Lydia is able to elope (gasp) and word doesn't reach the family until it's too late to do anything about it.
also, Darcy writes to elizabeth, and she doesn't get the letter for a few weeks. Everything is slow and opportunities are missed, and there is a greater scope for misunderstanding because nobody has a cell phone.