The term "High End" needs to die. Long live Hi-Fidelity!

Anybody remember the Canadian magazine Ultra High Fidelity? I used to buy it regularly at Tower. Alas, now both gone! And I left behind my collection of back issues when I moved down south.

  While I do consider your "isolated boxes screaming" as an apt description of some of this new human interaction on the internet, I consider those interactions entertaining but more a waste of time than anything harmful. However, I do have concern for some other niche internet virtual tribe internet sites based on politics that are accurately described as 'echo chambers', with homogeneous viewpoints reinforced by repetition, a lack of opposing viewpoints and devoid of any constraints such as facts, reason and truthfulness. I consider these human interactions also a waste of time but with the distinguishing characteristic of having more harmful consequences.

Very well stated. Saying that, it's very easy to see the trend spread to other areas of life, like say, audio forums. Some no longer want to interact with others so much as dominate others. And they use the same means at their disposal as when they frequent those other sites.

Being here, awhile, it was very easy to note the gradual progression over time.

All the best,
Nonoise

It is completely meaningless what you decide to call this hobby. Calling it something else will make no difference and shouldnt. Totally subjective.