IRL vs Cyber Friends
When I discovered Twitter, it was love at first type. I’m hopelessly addicted. I have Twitter, Myspace(once a day or so), Facebook (NEVER use it), and usmcwives.com (addicted to as well).
But I have been wondering some thing. I know a lot of people think of internet friendships in a similar way they look at internet relationships – not truly real.
Why not?
It does depend on how forthcoming you are on the internet, and I am not saying that ALL internet based conversations automatically make you the best of friends. However, when you DO open up to people, and converse about your personal or professional life, does that not create some kind of a bond? Some kind of friendship? There are many people I have not had the luxury of meeting face to face but I consider them dear friends. If you don’t agree, then so be it, but that is my opinion.
After all, is that not one of the reasons the internet was made public? To connect with others over vast distances?
So, to anyone who takes the time to read this, thank you, my friend.
Chris said,
July 26, 2008 at 1:04 am
No, thank YOU. It’s funny you blogged on this today. Just yesterday I posted the following in a forum we are both members of (and you don’t visit as often as I do so I don’t think you’ve seen it):
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Does anyone else sometimes find that they aren’t sure how to navigate their online friendships?
I was just thinking about something and I hope that (a) it comes out right – and- (b) someone can relate? Lol.
I’ll say upfront that what got me to thinking about this is a post that _______ made last night. So I may use the situation as an example, but she and her situation are not the point (and I hope she won’t mind): it’s my own uncertainty and weirdness that I’m talking about here. Lol.
I find myself sometimes getting really attached to people– particularly military spouses, significant others and parents– that I get acquainted with online. I feel a true sense of friendship with some people after talking online. Does that make me a loser? I dunno. And I’m not suggesting that I’d put any of you in my will or anything… Lol. I’m just saying that if you spend enough time conversing with people, it kinda makes sense to get attached? No?
Well, I’m never sure what to do when something goes wrong with someone I “know” online. I’m inclined to want to stalk and inquire and send wishes of support, etc. But then, that seems a wee bit selfish in a way. Sometimes when you have a bad day or a problem IRL you may not WANT some online homeslice following you around asking about it. I get that.
And then there’s the issue of giving advice or opinions. Does anyone else ever wonder if they sound too nosy or opinionated when they do that? The general concern doesn’t stop me from replying when asked…..but I always HOPE that my words sound sincere (because I’m not the type to bother replying if I don’t care or don’t mean what I’m saying) and that I never come out sounding different than I mean….
I dunno. This is a strange post, I guess. I was just wondering if any of you all ever have thoughts like this or are unsure how to be a good online friend.
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Anyway… I thought it interesting that we were both thinking in this vein. I value my online friendships a great deal, too!!
Senseless Babble said,
August 7, 2008 at 7:49 pm
hi there – I apologize if I am pestering you, but this is kinda related to your topic… We’ve “chatted” before via Twitter. I’ve enjoyed our “conversation”. Anyway, I have some how broken my Twitter account. I cant follow people, and I can direct message people. I have tried for over a weak to get this fixed on Twitter, but have had no luck. So, I gave up and started a new account. My new Twitter name is SenselessBabbl2 — I am now trying to contact Twitter friends, at least the ones I’ve had fun exchanges with in the past, like yourself, and I am asking them to please follow me on this new account. I’m not looking for followers anymore (if you remember, I once had the idea of following everyone on Twitter, and trying to get everyone on Twitter to follow me back, well, I’ve given up that goal – I think that is what “broke” my old account), now, I’m just trying to meet people with similar interests and have some fun online banter. — So, anyway, forgive me if I’ve babbled senselessly (thus my name!), I just wanted to invite you over to my new account on Twitter, SenselessBabbl2 – And tell your friends too! – Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!