Community - Is Technology Helping or Hurting Us Socially?

In another one of my classes, we spent the week discussing whether or not technology is bringing us closer together.  One classmate shared his experience and it seemed all too familiar to the rest of us, including me:M* said that he is very grateful for email, cell phones, and text messaging, because it allows him to communicate with his friends at any time and from virtually anywhere in the world.  Like most of, he uses the three methods to make plans to meet with his friends.  There is one friend in particular with whom he meets regularly.  They establish a time and place to meet via email or phone.  If one of them is going to be late, they use the phone or texting to notify the other.  Finally, they can enjoy their time together in piece, thanks to technology.But wait!  M* also pointed out that he and his friend spend some of their time together answering phone calls or responding to text messages; essentially, they are having conversations with other people who are not physically present.  Sometimes, while meeting with one friend, M* has used text messaging to coordinate a meeting with another friend.  Basically, many of his meetings (and many of mine, too) are spent thinking about other people.  Has technology brought us together, or has technology provided a way for us to not be alone when contacting others?Oddly enough, the latest issue of Wired Magazine (February 2008) has an essay on this subject, too, with interesting points and study results that may surprise you.  I thought this article would fit in nicely with our class theme of Community.If you'll excuse me, I am going to text Wired to see if they will pay me for these endorsements...