Why do we have to categorise and define what is meant by socialising? For me the net is great. I am 85 with a far flung family (I like alliteration). I can communicate with all of them. In the usual socialising we interact w people like us. Through facebook I engage with a group from Kenya. We argue and have fun. Without facebook I would never have met them. I have published a chapter in a book printed in Germany with the aid of editors in Germany and Japan. It would have been difficult without email. I am studying mycology, check what's going on the humanist & mycological societies, read newspapers & other periodicals, discuss on the forum, read and write articles for online opinion, reserve books at the library etc. This may not be socialising, but my life is fuller because of it.

Yeah ditto David,
I'm not a sociable person, I'd rather just be at home with my wife and kids, my dogs and my books but being able to write and have people read my words gives me great satisfaction.
The internet allows more genuine interaction and a better flow of ideas than face to face encounters, plus being a teetotaller who actually dislikes being around people who are drinking I'm pretty much on the outer in most social situations anyway.