Online activities can be grouped into two main types: (1) solitary activities that do not involve direct contact with other people, e.g., web surfing and news reading, and (2) social activities that involve direct contact with other people, e.g., the use of email, listservs, bulletin boards, and chat rooms. While online social activities may be conducive to the development and maintenance of network ties, online solitary activities may detract from time spent with others and, as a result, reduce social connectivity.