In paragraph 12, Turkle begins an extended metaphor: little “sips” of online connection. What does Turkle's metaphor describe?

Professor Sherry Turkle's little "sips" of online connection is a metaphor that describes the little "pieces" of conversation that we are having by using technological devices.

Explanation:

MIT Professor, Sherry Turkle, PhD, and a licensed clinical psychologist, with a joint doctorate in sociology and psychology, notes that people are now avoiding the necessary conversations that we ought to be having with one another because we are "plugged-in" to various technological devices.  In her write-up in the New York Times of April 21, 2012 titled "The Flight from Conversation," Professor Sherry Turkle urges people not to "sacrifice conversation for mere connection."  Since we are technology-enabled, she declares that we should make the best use of it to remain conversationally connected to others whether they are near or far, but must still bring ourselves to enjoy the indispensable face-to-face conversations with our fellow human beings.