I think headlines like this are very dangerous. You are either a socially outgoing person or you're not.

For people who aren't, this confirms their lack of social life as 'a problem'. This isn't helpful to them on so many levels.

You make friends and grow your social circle by having a common interest with people. This could be knitting, cars, pacman...it doesn't matter, it's just a common bond and a language you speak. Meeting in real life is essential though. Online acquaintances aren't 'friends'....