1 . Read and complete the passage about online communication using the discourse markers in the box.

although     for example     however     then     to begin with     such as     rather     as long as

Connect Online to Meet Offline

In our information technology society, we often have more communications online than offline.     1    , just compare the number of people to whom you have sent online messages with that of the people you’ve actually met in the past two weeks.

    2    , there are now mobile apps which allow you to connect with strangers online and then meet them in person, and I’m not talking about dating apps!     3    , I’m referring to apps which help to connect people with similar interests who live in the same city.     4    , get online and find a group that interests you.     5    , simply join the group.     6     you’re in a group with like-minded people, you will be able to enjoy doing the same activities together. You can do this for free,     7     some apps will ask you to pay if you want to create an interest group.

There is a wide variety of interest groups out there,     8     those for hiking, football, photography, board games, poetry, or dog owners. You name it, they’ve got it! This is really a great way to network, meet people if you’re new to a city, or simply to make new friends.