As to why the Internet didn't "solve" this. Not all things are virtual. Your physical self isn't virtual. Nor are other people. Physical goods are not virtual.

As to why the Internet didn't "solve" this. Not all things are virtual. Your physical self isn't virtual. Nor are other people. Physical goods are not virtual. You need to invent and continue to nurture equivalent virtual places for formal and informal, accidental and deliberate interactions. Its hard to take a heart to heart walk with someone who isn't there with you.