Advances in both transport and communication technologies during the last 200 years, have had a profound impact upon community life. In days gone by, the majority of social interaction would have occured between those living in the same locality. Modern technology has reshaped these once close-knit communities however, as people have gained the ability to travel and communicate quickly over increasing distances. In this day and age, one might travel from place to place on business, or be part of the 'MySpace.com' virtual community for example. Such people might not consider themselves to be part of a 'local community' in the traditional sense however. Undoubtedly, this technologically driven distribution of 'communities', is allowing us to interact with a larger and more diverse group of people in our everyday lives. How does this impact upon our mental health however? Do digital communication technologies allow us to keep in better contact with our intimates? Or are we becoming distracted from our closer relationships, by broadening social networks of less intimate acquaintances? Is this depressing us, and stressing us out!? As well as affecting Joe Average; digital communication technologies have provided the possibility of social support for many people who might have been completely cut-off from society in the past. Carers of those with alzheimers disease, the severely disabled, or those with agoraphobia might find it difficult to leave their homes to enjoy social contact. Online Support Communities seem to provide an emotional lifeline for some of these people. To some then, modern communications technology is indispensable. Are digital communication technologies the answer to our social relationship problems, and the mental health issues that might arise from these? Are computer communication systems and their effects, challenging our sanity? Is design important in determining the positivity of the impact of such technologies? These are some of the questions that characterise my PhD research, in the most general sense.