Andrew, an anecdote for you. The relationship of extended family, like my father, has improved solely by the advent of ubiquitous internet access:

I trade emails with my Dad who lives in Florida (spry 89 yrs. old)at least 5 times a week and have for about 10 years now. Prior to that, we spoke probably 3 times a year other than the 3 times I'd go visit. It is a real pleasure to have this instant communication to see how he's doing. I suspect that others have the same story with their extended family members. Probably even extends out to distant cousins that are once in 10 year frequency in the past.

I also find that being able to write simple small things using email is easier than having to compose long hand written snail-mail letters which, more often than not, didn't get written because it seemed like such a chore.

My wife and I do all our "issue" discussions over email because for sensitive issues, face to face is harder for us cowardly humans. It enables us to be calm, rational, and not so self-involved in the face of conflict. My wife will kill me if she reads this, but come on, what good relationship doesn't have its "moments?" As a result, the issues get solved much quicker and with less anguish. Good stuff for a university research project!

Great stuff, and thanks for all the help back in the BEV early days.