Online searches and research are better used to support offline networking.

WSJ: Take Your Search for a Job Offline

Our research consistently shows that Heavy Social Media Users are less involved in the offline world than their friends who spend less time on Facebook or other social sites.

FORBES: How Valuable Are Heavy Social Media Users, Anyway?

Henry Harteveldt, Forrester's online travel analyst, points out that even wealthy long-haul travellers are just as tantalised by low prices and many use the internet to research and plan their journeys, even though they may end up booking offline.

ECONOMIST: The travel industry

Founded in 2002 and celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012, the firm conducts syndicated and custom research studies on Chinese gamers, Southeast Asian gamers, online games, offline games, consoles, handhelds, regulatory issues, piracy, development, online operators, distribution, and retail.

FORBES: Booming Chinese MMO Games Market Forecast To Generate $6.1 Billion In 2012

Examining years of research of their own and from others, the authors conclude that social networks, both offline and online, are crucial in understanding everything from voting patterns to the spread of disease.

CNN: Obesity, STDs flow in social networks