I found lj about 6 years ago, and I have shared every emotion with my small group, we all feel safe discussing intimate and sensitive topics.. Had a meeting of five of us a few years ago, and that was good.
FB is a different animal. I am 'flippant' and rather crazy on FB. I also keep up with grandchildren and overseas friends, even friends from school days, we are scattered across the world so it serves a purpose. But although I do share a lot, there is a bit more reserve about dealing there. I have blocked people for bad language,and had some mad woman accuse me of friending her when she didn't know me, she was quite indignant, it was a simple mistake. I apologised for intruding on her life of course. Sadly there are some crazies out there and I swiftly deal with them. But i am for this form of communication as long as we ALWAYS keep up real life friendships, as you say a real hug is so different.
The internet is a wonderful and amazing thing. It allows us to reach across thousands of miles and connect with other people as well as conduct mundane business. But yeah, there is a downside. The anonymity it provides allows people to feel "safe" to be rude, demeaning and outright cruel. In a way, it's like the fact that it's anonymous, to some people, makes it "okay" or "less hurtful" than if you were to spew some of this venom to somebody's face.
Like everything in this life, there are benefits and downsides to the internet. I much prefer real connections, real interactions and real hugs. But at the same time, I love who and what the internet has brought into my life as well.
Some good points. I think interacting with people online is totally different. For me, one advantage is that I have more time to think what I'm going to say before I say it.
It is always good to take time to think, online and in person too.
They are different modes of communicating and interaction yet we use many of the same words (like calling others "my friend.") Are online friendships different from IRL ones or is the mode of communcation just different?
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I found lj about 6 years ago, and I have shared every emotion with my small group, we all feel safe discussing intimate and sensitive topics.. Had a meeting of five of us a few years ago, and that was good.
FB is a different animal. I am 'flippant' and rather crazy on FB. I also keep up with grandchildren and overseas friends, even friends from school days, we are scattered across the world so it serves a purpose. But although I do share a lot, there is a bit more reserve about dealing there. I have blocked people for bad language,and had some mad woman accuse me of friending her when she didn't know me, she was quite indignant, it was a simple mistake. I apologised for intruding on her life of course. Sadly there are some crazies out there and I swiftly deal with them. But i am for this form of communication as long as we ALWAYS keep up real life friendships, as you say a real hug is so different.
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Like everything in this life, there are benefits and downsides to the internet. I much prefer real connections, real interactions and real hugs. But at the same time, I love who and what the internet has brought into my life as well.
Reply
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They are different modes of communicating and interaction yet we use many of the same words (like calling others "my friend.") Are online friendships different from IRL ones or is the mode of communcation just different?
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