This definitely isn't a problem just for technology, it's a broader symptom of modern society and culture. For example, I've heard New York is one of the worst

This definitely isn't a problem just for technology, it's a broader symptom of modern society and culture. For example, I've heard New York is one of the worst places to get lonely or to be new to the city because it feels even more disorienting to not know anyone when you're surrounded by millions of people, and pedestrians at that rather than commuters in cars. Technology definitely can help instead of hurt, you just need to seek out things that can help increase facetime and meeting new friends rather than getting your brain sucked in online for the entire night. Facebook events and meetup come to mind.