Kawachi et al. (1996) depict a relation between social isolation and increased risk for cardiovascular disease mortality, accidents and suicides. Social isolation additionally leads to a higher risk of health-risky behaviour like inactivity and smoking (Shankar, et al., 2011), malnutrition (Vesnaver & Keller, 2011) and psychological problems like major depression (Teo, et al., 2013) and many other psychiatric disorders (Stansfeld, 2005). Social relations vary in their quality and may be supportive or not, and the quality and the intensity may contribute to health and behaviour: Negative “social conditions create risky environments which in turn create vulnerable subgroups of the population who may be both more susceptible to other specific exposures and/or be more heavily exposed to a range of environmental risks” (Berkman & Melchior, 2006, p. 62).

Result: Positive social interaction improves the health situation. If internet is able to replace this - I would doubt, but can't contribute here.

Literature:

Berkman, L. & Melchior, M., 2006. The shape of things to come: how social policy impacts social integration and family structure to oroduce population health. In: J. Siegrist & M. Marmot, eds. Social inequalities in Health: New evidence and policy implications. Oxford: University Press, pp. 55-72.

Kawachi, I. et al., 1996. A prospective study of social networks in relation to total mortality and cardiovascular disease in men in the USA.. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 50(3), pp. 245-251.

Shankar, A., McMunn, A., Banks, J. & Steptoe, A., 2011. Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Behavioral and Biological Health Indicators in Older Adults. Health Psychology, 30(4), p. 377–385.

Stansfeld, S., 2005. Social support and social cohesion. In: M. Marmot & R. Wilkinson, eds. Social determinants of health. Oxford: University Press, pp. 148-172.

Teo, A., Choi, H. & Valenstein, M., 2013. Social Relationships and Depression: Ten-Year Follow-Up from a Nationally Representative Study. PLOS One, 8(4), p. e62396.

Vesnaver, E. & Keller, H., 2011. Social Influences and Eating Behavior in Later Life: A Review. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 30, pp. 2-23.

Social isolation has an impact both on physical and our socio-psychological life. In sociology we have the instances of Anna, Kamala and amala, taarzan, who were more of animals rather than human beings in behaviour

A person who is isolated, introvert, do have the problem in adjusting with each other, it always said that sorrows should be shared that relieves our tension is itself an example to say that in company we get motivated and many of our problems are solved

psychological and physical health are both interrelated and in isolation it has surely an impact on our health

Internet makes us to lead a mechanical life though there are social contacts through Social networking sites, yet nothing can replace face-to face contact. primary relations can never be succeeded by any other relations

technology makes us our life more mechanical while society makes our life more real

When in remorse a pat on our back is sufficient to get motivated, but internet cannot do this. internet can just change our attention towards other side but not a human touch, affection, empathetic attitude and many more

I agree with your sentiments and don't think the internet could ever really substitute.

Do you know of any studies looking at the epidemiology of 'recluses'? I would imagine in some cultures (and environments), it is more acceptable than in others, and I wonder whether there are any correlations with socioeconomic status i.e. would a rich 'hermit' live longer than someone with lower income who follows the same social contact patterns and is of comparable education status?

Social isolation has causal effect to the deterioration of one's health. However, mere social isolation may not have a remarkable adverse effect. Instead, the effect of social isolation to one's health could be significant provided that the person is aware of his/her situation of isolated lives, isolation is unwanted, the person think that the situation is unchangeable, and the experience of social isolation is painful for the person.

One's busy life (including internet contact) can lessen experiences of social isolation as well as its impact to health but that could not perhaps substitute the benefits of human physical contact. However, this relation might be mediated by many other social and person-centric variables.

 Dear Rosie,

We need together as a human and social isolation deprive us from each other. Many od or activities are done for other people and other people can tell us what can we do to protect ourselves and to have a healthy life.