I can’t remember the last time I had an online only friend.
To be honest, the concept seems nice. You can tell pretty much everything to
someone you don’t intend to meet in person. There is less pressure to be
discreet. However, I haven’t formed any cyber relationships in the past decade.
I feel you don’t have the same relationship as you do in person. You’ve Got
Mail seemed to glorify the online relationship, but even then they met in
person. I think it comes to a point that you need to make sure this person is
real and that you’re not just talking to a robot. To me, it felt like I was
just writing in a journal versus actually having a friend. I always questioned
their messages to me and wondered if they were really telling the truth. I
pretty much just keep my friends face to face and just write in a paper journal
when I want to bear all of my secrets.
Dear Nfgshadow,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you whole heartily. I can't remember ever having a friend that was only online. I am not sure I even like the concept. I guess I would be susceptible to constantly wondering what was real and what was fake to try to "impress me" into telling them something intimate. I also have a HUGE fear of being scammed or having my identity stolen, so putting myself in a solely online relationship would only increase the intensity of those fears. I have the same feelings about these online blog entries, and after this class I will most likely delete this account, just to make me feel better. Putting yourself out there in person is scary, but putting yourself out there online is horrifying. I don't understand how people do it.
I would have to agree that through cyberspace alone it can be very difficult to cultivate a deep friendship or relationship with another person. Video chat has helped the cause by allowing people to speak virtually face to face, but there is still a level of disconnect that can happen when you don’t have the ability to spend time in person. They don’t seem to be a part of your everyday life and although you catch up from time to time it doesn’t carry the same bond as it does with those that were there to experience it with you. I think it all comes down to what level or measure of friendship you are seeking. For me casual friends online are nice but my close friendships all exist in person.
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