Community in decline...

When watching Wesch's video, he talked about our "community in decline" and how some have concerns of how the Internet plays an impact on this.  It really got me thinking...Is our community in decline because of the Internet???  The Internet brings so many opportunities, so much information, ways of going places you could never go before.  We use the Internet for everything, from shopping to dating, and yes...I think it may have a little something to do with a decline in our "local community", but look at the virtual community the it has built.  15 years ago, if you hadn't been to Japan, you may not know much about it...besides text books, and some limited media.  Now the Internet supplies everything (and more) you may want to know about Japan, the culture, the people, etc.  In respect to YouTube, the "community" Michael had as examples were exactly opposite of a declining community.  There were several users that used YouTube to connect in a way to people that they hadn't before.  YouTube was shown to bring people together that have common interests, likings, and disliking.  This is just one of the many tools that make up the Internet, a place where we can build community.  I understand the notion that the Internet may distract from physical gathering in our local community, but there is so much more than your local neighborhood to learn and explore.  The Internet makes this all possible.