Does more electronic communications devices actually benefit society?

We have never had so much electronic communication (mobiles / SMS / email / social networking) but this amounts to less face to face contact so we have never been so socially inept. We talk to our neighbours less and are more suspicious of each other. Were we better off with only a postal service and telephone land lines?Does more electronic communications devices actually benefit society?
Webcam gives you the face to face contact while online. My mum lives abroad and I speak to her most days via webcam, in fact I have never had so much conversation,especially from those I could not see face to face in my life. Electronic Communication devices have made it a lot easier to make conversation with those you have less chance of seeing regularly. If I want to see my friends, I go to their houses, but sometimes if I need to get in touch,especially if I'm not able to talk(in work), I text. God Bless electronic Communication.