Thanks for investing so much time. Sorry - it's a bit hard to keep track of discussions on HN because of a lack of notifications - so my reply has been a bit s

Thanks for investing so much time. Sorry - it's a bit hard to keep track of discussions on HN because of a lack of notifications - so my reply has been a bit slow. I agree completely that we need a more concrete understanding of how/why intimate behaviours are in fact under threat (if that is indeed the case). The analysis of the first scene of the Social Network was there to give at least one example of how it is two people can actually be quite involved with one another and yet completely fail to establish an intimate connection. But we need more. It's impossible for me alone to provide that data. I'm not even an empirical researcher. But even more importantly - how could an empirical study be conducted? That's a very difficult question. I think what we need to start by people telling their stories of intimacy - or lack of it. This might at least allow us to begin refining out intuitive understanding - which in turn might allow us to conduct more rigorous investigations. I'm also pleased you enjoyed the "paradox of modern intimacy" section. I have thoughts about an essay on just that topic alone. Your comment has provided me with a nice motivation boost. Cheers! :)