Hi, @apocaloptimisto. Past and present work has given me the chance to travel to countries I would not have otherwise been to, most of them "developed," and not "developing," in the sense those words are typically used. The least "developed" had the most hospitable people I've ever encountered, people who at first seemed to go out of their way to make me feel welcomed, and safe. Then I realized they weren't going out of their way; that was normal, the way they treated everyone. I was the only one who noticed anything "above and beyond."
So, I agree with your comment about "the actual human relationships" they have, and that are still very possible in this world. Possible right here. What is required for a human relationship is two humans, whether they're interacting face-to-face, over the phone, or in the give-and-take on a social platform.
I gotta say: texting is mostly BS, though!
What matters is the quality of that interaction, which gets us to content, something you're pretty good at! In my opinion, on any social platform, you're participating in a "marketplace of ideas," regardless of any monetary value one might ascribe to those ideas.
That which is less valued now by the masses may become more valued over time, and that which is more valued now may eventually be viewed with disdain by those same masses who currently value it so highly.
Given the reality that a lot of people are here precisely "fo' de money," a voice such as yours is even more important to have in the mix. An even cursory look at your article history is evidence that you're one who persists in endeavors meaningful to you. So, I say to you: persist in sharing your ideas and projects.
The computer might be a "necessary evil" to you, but I think it is merely one vehicle of many for facilitating human relationships, and it's a tool which you can continue to use in a meaningful way.
A couple of posts by @lukestokes might be of interest:
The Steemit $$$ Challenge: Prove To Yourself Why You Are Here
Steemit Without $$$: The 24 Hour Challenge Follow Up
I wish you well, and I'm going to give more than a cursory look at your articles. The electric bike is an idea that has intrigued me before, and a Solar-Powered Mobile Machine Shop ?! Dude!