Includes bibliographical references (pages 307-348) and index.

Part 1. The robotic moment: in solitude, new intimacies -- Nearest neighbors -- Alive enough -- True companions -- Enchantment -- Complicities -- Love's labor lost -- Communion -- Part 2. Networked: in intimacy, new solitudes -- Always on -- Growing up tethered -- No need to call -- Reduction and betrayal -- True confessions -- Anxiety -- The nostalgia of the young -- Conclusion: Necessary conversations -- Epilogue: The letter.

"In 'Alone Together, ' MIT technology and society professor Sherry Turkle explores the power of our new tools and toys to dramatically alter our social lives. It's a nuanced exploration of what we are looking for--and sacrificing--in a world of electronic companions and social networking tools, and an argument that, despite the hand-waving of today's self-described prophets of the future, it will be the next generation who will chart the path between isolation and connectivity"--Provided by publisher.