I can only respond anecdotally: everyone I know participates in social relationships, even if those relationships are primarily from a distance. The ability to communicate readily with people from different parts of the country or world has freed us from the limitations of our local circles. That would have done me a world of good as a child growing up in a pretty insular family and religious group. Once I had internet access I was better able to be myself and participate more fully in relationships than ever before.