Most of the subjects here are lonesome in some way, travelling (or hurtling) towards some kind of companionship or answer or feeling, while the book's packaging resembles a leather-bound travel journal.

ECONOMIST: A literary brand has emerged among the young and hip

Some worry about alienating effects, as youngsters seek companionship and affection in microchip and plastic.

CNN: Virtual Nurture

For older people, work may then offer some of the charms that have lured so many women into the job market: stimulus, companionship and the freedom from worry that a bit of extra money can bring.

ECONOMIST: Forever young