Pew: Americans not more isolated because of technology; mobile increases size of personal network

A new report from Pew Internet & American Life Project reports that contrary to popular belief, Americans are not becoming more isolated as a result of technologies that limit the social diversity of relationships, MSNBC reports. Instead, the report says, mobile phone and Internet use are increasing the size and diversity of personal networks.

A person's core network is expanded by 25 percent when they are a mobile phone user, the study says. The average American has contact with close friends and family by mobile phone 195 days of the year, by text-message 125 days, and by email 72 days of the year. Traditional letters are only used to keep in contact with the network 8 days of the year.