There was a time when computer geeks might have been viewed as social outcasts, but that's certainly not the case anymore. And according to research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, those who stay connected to the Internet and tote around a mobile phone tend to have more friends than those who don't.

It's not just about quantity, either. Researchers found that owning a mobile phone and participating in different Internet activities usually means a more diverse group of friends.

"Contrary to the argument that Internet use limits people's participation in the local community, local institutions, and local spaces, our findings show that most Internet activities are associated with higher levels of local activity," say the researchers. "However, we find some evidence that use of social networking services -- for example, Facebook, MySpaced, LinkedIn -- substitutes for some level of neighborhood involvement."

We blame the latter findings on Mafia Wars and Farmville.

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