Re: life is nowadays the other way around
Yes, I guess things like internet and tv do have a great influence on most of us, who would otherwise be more engaged in reading, writing, studying etc. But it's weird how abnormal that seems to people nowadays.
I agree with the point that religion shouldn't be an excuse to stay away from social life. But on the other hand, if people you know/relatives always end up gossiping and backbiting others and are offended when you ask them not to when you are there, it's better to go visit them less often I think. Then one should try to find others who don't do that or with whom you can reason about such things.
There are people from other religions that do respect Islam and it's very interesting to discuss their religion wiht them and talk about the differences and similarities between their religion and Islam. Unfortunately, there aren't many people like that.