Connecting on the Internet

[Jenster]

OK, despite the title of this post, this one's NOT about dating!!

I wanted to ask if anyone (or everyone) has thought about how amazing it is that total strangers talk to each other over the Internet. It's obvious, yet to me it's kinda profound.

The most amazing thing is that I can get pretty good advice not just from people my age or older, but from 20 year olds! Seriously. When did young adults start getting so insightful? I didn't have even half the answers in life that some of these kids have.

In my "real" life, I live and associate with people who are very much like me. If I were to meet some of the people on CF or other forums in person, we probably wouldn't think to give each other the time of day. Certainly wouldn't have conversations about the deep stuff ... loneliness, self-esteem, social issues, etc.

It's just ... wild. Don't you think?

 

[pumpkinking]

I've noticed it, Jenster, and I've given it more than a little thought. I've had incredibly personal conversations with people who I still have yet to meet in real life.

Maybe part of it is the feeling of being home, where you're safe and unwinding... Interacting under a screename/nickname rather than your "real" identity, with all its gaffs/history/stumbles/etc.

With a little practice at screening out the psychos, this is one of my preferred ways to talk. Not perfect, and no replacement for real life, but a nice tool.

Jay
"lol"

 

[Jenster]

Thanks for replying, pumpkinking! It IS interesting how we have a comfort zone on the Internet. We can choose to respond or not respond, and that's expected - whereas in the face-to-face world, it's awkward to break off a conversation with someone mid-stream. Certainly if someone came up to me on the street and started to say "I'm lonely," I'd be, like, "Woah! Major boundary crossing going on here!" Different rules of social interaction in cyberspace...

 

[pumpkinking]

heh heh heh... Not to mention, a polite "lol" is easier to get away with than a polite belly laugh, for an unfunny joke!

lol...

Jay

 

[chiyongam]

I think there is a sense of security . Noone to judge you for the way you look or dress. We are all one on line. Even though as Christians we would like say we believe in equality but I think we all have our preferences. We look for those who are like us to talk to. Whether it is similarities in age,gender ,class. But here all walls are broken. I think we all need this dimension of communication from time to time. Here we learn we cry ,we laugh ,all behind the safety of our computers.

 

[Jenster]

Well-spoken, Chiyongam! I do find I can talk about more topics here on CF than face to face, and develop my opinions/interests as well. I find that a complete blessing!

LOL, Jay.

 

[ausablechick]

i agree it is easier to chat with someone anonymously.
some secrets are just easier to tell a stranger and then get an honest answer from them

 

[Stanfi]

Yes, I have thought about it as well. The internet is a very odd, but good medium. I have met some great people online. Some, I consider the bestest of friends, and I am glad that I have got to know them. Some I feel that I have a deep connection with. It's odd how we often open up to people we don't even know! The sad part is that some live so far away, that I am sure I will never see them in person, and often it frustrates me that I never meet people such as these locally.

 

[JesseRaymondBassett]

I have tried it. NEVER do it. Its not worth it.

 

[covenantwmn]

I've met one of my best friends on here, and they live half way round the world. It is amazing and a gift when used properly. And btw, this friend is much younger, you are right, when they all get so smart! I am thankful to have this way of communicating.
in Him, Leslie

 

[Jenster]

I've met one of my best friends on here, and they live half way round the world. It is amazing and a gift when used properly. And btw, this friend is much younger, you are right, when they all get so smart! I am thankful to have this way of communicating.
in Him, Leslie

What a real blessing, covenantwmn! That's really great. I just went through a challenging week, due to some issues at church that I felt needed to be addressed. I wasn't sure what to do, so I turned to CF, and the brothers and sisters here were able to pray for me and give advice. See, I couldn't have turned directly to my church brothers and sisters because I didn't want to stir up any problems or divisiveness. But with CFers' help and guidance, I was able to act according to the LORD's will (I'm pretty sure ).

Praise God!