Internet: conduit for human connection

Humans are social beings.  Regardless of how we connect, like osmosis, we will always move towards some human interaction and connection.  For example, previous video games were structured with ascending levels.  These games could be addicting, with the gamer desperately trying to advance to the final level and win.  Yet after "beating" the game, there is little interest in continuing to play and the addiction is over.  When the internet introduced a human-dimension to game play, with games like World of Warcraft and Halo 3; things changed.   These games offered a level-progression through acquiring skills, tools, etc.  Rather than playing or beating a computer, users now have the ability improve their personal character and show their progression through a comparison with other characters.  These video games become a semi-social activity: participation subsequently skyrocketed.  This tendency can be seen in second life, facebook, myspace, etc.  People become enthralled with these virtual tools that connect them with the non-virtual human beings behind each keyboard.