A Blogging Self-Reflection

As my first post, I began to think about the relitively new idea of blogging. People and ideas from different locations and lifestlyes can discuss any topic in a free, uncensored forum. It sounds great, however I wonder if this world of growing technologies bring people closer or simply mediates our relationships. Is this expression of ideas always good, even if it keeps people sitting in front of a screen talking to a screen name they will never meet? Does it deminish a sense of community? Just some food for thought. And thanks to anyone who replies!