Impact of the Automobile on Community Interaction

In the early 20th century, the rise of the automobile significantly transformed the landscape of American society. Urban areas became increasingly oriented around car travel, leading to the expansion of road networks and the development of suburbs. As cities adapted to accommodate this new mode of transportation, the relationship between individuals and their communities evolved.

The following excerpt from an essay discusses the impact of automobiles on social structures:

"The automobile not only provided personal freedom to individuals but also reshaped business and leisure activities. Restaurants, shopping malls, and entertainment venues began to spring up along highways. This led to a new culture of spending time in these places, often resulting in a decline in traditional neighborhood gatherings. However, while individual mobility increased, so too did the social isolation in many urban areas, challenging the core of community interaction that previously defined American life."

Based on the passage, which of the following statements best supports the idea that the automobile impacted community interaction?