ITWire

"Rather than feeling closer to their network, 45 percent of people actually feel that social networking makes them feel less close to friends and family, with 54 percent admitting they find it difficult to say the words they need to loved ones, in particular to our parents," Optus said.

"85 percent of Australians feel they are not communicating with friends and family as much as they would like, while 43 percent admit they spend more time communicating with people outside of their friends and family."

According to Optus, the survey showed that people wanted better and more frequent communication with those closes to them. "There is a desire amongst Australians to connect with our loved ones on a deeper level. Two thirds would like to spend more time communicating with their closest friends and family, with 'I love you' topping the list of what we'd most like to say. However, 57 percent confess they find it difficult to say what they need to because it leaves them feeling uncomfortable and they don't have the time (45 percent)."

The online survey of 2,195 Australians aged 18-64 years of age found that the average Gen Y has 241 Facebook friends, but only 44 are considered close.

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