As usual, Ms. Wente offers some provocative observations. She refers to "three technological developments," two of which involve 'devices' and the internet.

Those two developments are having a profound effect on how we interact with each other, including humanity's most fundamental social unit, the family. The focus of this article is on the impediments to the creation of a family in the first place, namely the connection of two adults as lovers & soul-mates who are willing to commit to each other.

The on-line world is immediate, ever-changing and alluring. Small wonder that adults, teens and even toddlers are drawn so strongly to it. Every one of us has observed its detrimental effects: decreased physical activity, kids who dodge homework & won't help with chores, distracted behaviour in cars, on sidewalks and in restaurants, intrusive phone chatter on public transit, decline in reading, etc.

Ms. Wente has made some insightful observations on its effects on marriage.