I wonder if the popularity of forums have contributed to the current pub closures. At one time if you wanted a bit of company and a natter you went down the Pub.
Now you can go onto any amount of forums be it general chat or a more specific interest forum like Pigeon Watch and "meet" people from all over and have a good natter all from the comfort of home. Have a drink and snack while conversing with loads of folks.
Particularly good for me as in a live group of folks I have trouble with my hearing (The joys of getting older) and often miss bits of conversation. Not on a forum. You can go back, read up what you have missed and have a whole social life just from your armchair.