When I grew up it was a "Game Boy" that I held in my hand to escape from "reality." When my dad was a kid it was a comic book that was a common escape for kids.

I think the most disturbing trend is not that kids are using social media so prevalently, but that their parents are. I know 50 year old women that spend huge amounts of time on Facebook talking about trivial things with people they barely know.

I have often thought that the people on Hubski that I have discussions with regularly know me far better than many friends I have had for years. Why? Because we discuss politics, religion, art, music, the human condition etc. -This is far more valuable to creating and maintaining a "friendship" than "liking" a photo of someone's kid.

I liken the experience here as being akin to writing letters to friends. Prior to the telephone, the written letter was what would connect friends. I like to think that Hubski can provide a similar service in the fostering of relationships based on the exchanging of ideas.

There's no doubt that many kids spend too much time disengaged from the moment in front of them, but really are the adults these days much better?

So much of life is where you spend your time and who you spend it with. Online is no different. While I think it's right to ensure that our children have good interpersonal skills both on and offline, I think it's wrong to paint all interactions on a smartphone as potentially dangerous.

That said, you are right that it's a topic that is certainly something we should think about. Good to see you hootsbox.