Social networks and their ilk.

Now there is another boom in runet - His Majesty web 2.0 is spinning around. His daughter - a social network also does not lag behind dads. The essence of the phenomenon is simple and does not need an explanation for the "runetists". However, other issues are more interesting. What do users of social networks? Belonging to a particular group? Opportunity to express yourself? The ability to communicate? Yes, of course, social networks satisfy all these needs. However, all this is possible and offline. Especially off-line life gives what the Internet can not fully (yet) convey — more complete sensations from the non-verbalic of the interlocutor, the environment, the very possibilities of activity, finally. However, social networks are gaining momentum. So they give people something more than just meeting the needs for self-expression, communication and information. Now we can observe the trend of an ever-increasing “departure” of the average person to the subreality of the Internet. And se networks - the brainchild of this trend. Also, the Internet gives the illusion of security and privacy. The mask-nickname hides the real name and face of a person. Recall the lessons of psychology in high school? True, the Internet thus frees a person from social control. Where else, except for the subreality of the Internet, can the company motivate (sorry for taftology) the refusal to cooperate with a partner?)
Moreover, here everything is “make-believe”. Not accepted in the same group? Replaced nickname and moved to another. Life with relaxed rules.
Of course, one should not forget the opportunities for communication at a distance provided by the Internet, and the fact that now many people associate most of their work with the world wide web. However, in my opinion, these are secondary factors.
It turns out, on the one hand, the strengthening of social control in society, on the other - the increasing development of the “free zone” on the Internet.
Whether here only there has to be the Internet without censorship? on the one hand yes, on the other hand no. I remember many recent and active debates on this topic. However, most likely, time will ruin everything. As always, however.)