lets just call it a statistical sample. It's not a definitive study. We all know that a certain percentage of online users don't provide an accurate age. Many do, though, and the age of those engaging in social platforms online skews higher than some conventional marketing thinking (i.e. only millenials and gen y need apply).

Most active users are not replacing real life engagement with online activity - rather, the web is being used to deepen existing connections and make new ones. (search for "face to facebook" gatherings, "tweetups" or find a group based on your interests at meetup.com)

Last, Skipweasel, I love that you're still using a newsgroup. i spent a lot of time at various alt.rec.sci.etc... :)