The Internet has altered the social dynamics of this recession. Many workers who are laid off now turn to their online networks of friends for support and new job opportunities, instead of shutting off from the world. Membership at online support groups for depression and anxiety disorders has picked up.

But according to the researchers at Pew Internet & American Life Project, the most popular form of online “diversion” from the recession is not really social at all — it’s Web video like YouTube and Hulu.

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