Is it okay to have internet friends?

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Is it okay to have internet friends?

5 Answers

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Answer 1

Whilst having online based friends is ok in principle, over reliance on communicating purely through technology does not improve social skills since you cannot see them and interact in a 'human' manner and you cannot hear tone of voice, see facial expressions and perceive body language etc etc

As for meeting them in real life, it's obviously good advice to put safety first. Always meet in a public place and don't allow them to know what street you live in for a while. If they are a genuinely good friend they will understand and respect your caution.

Answer 2

autumn pendleton answered

I think it's okay to have internet friends as long as you're careful about it. Make sure you don't meet up because that can be dangerous.

Answer 3

Most of my friends are internet friends; my closest friends I met in an online chat room several years ago, I even met my husband online. The good thing about finding friends online if that you can get to know them, they will probably have similar interests to you and it is so easy to make them.

I do not agree with the other poster about not meeting them, meeting them is fantastic but you need to be careful when you organise it. Meet in public, at a sensible time, take a friend or family member and follow your gut feelings; if something feels off then leave.

The internet has opened up a whole new way to interact with people which makes it great for people who struggle face to face or have very unique interests. The ability to use Skype or Google Hangout so you can see who you are talking to makes everything so much fun (and a little more reassuring that you're not talking to a 60 year old man pretending to be a 16 year old).

Answer 4

Yes if you are careful. I have two. But remember it's even better to have friends out in the real world.

Answer 5

I think it's definitely okay to have internet friends! Online communication is great because it takes away social awkwardness some people feel, and gives you the opportunity to just be yourself.

Traditionally there was a stigma attached to meeting friends on the internet but I think this is starting to fade as so many of our interactions are online these days, it's almost impossible not to make an online connection with someone somewhere!

And, yes, the safety aspect will always be mentioned- are they really who they say they are- but this is quite easy to check these days with the popularity of video chatting programs like Facetime and Skype.

If you are under 16 it's probably a good idea to let your parents know if you're chatting to someone online- especially if you plan to meet. But all in all, I see no problems with having friends on the net!

And if you need some tips, check out this: