Online Relationships and Real Life
I have to admit, sometimes I feel more comfortable as a loner. When I meet
with “people” I enjoy them, but I don’t exactly jump into anything voluntarily.
AND I tend to be of a suspicious nature, listening to my gut feelings where people are concerned. So, I
don’t understand when adults buy into online relationships over common sense and
participate in self-destructive activities.
Recently, I read an article for teenagers Are Online Friends Real Friends? Kids hang out online as much as they do in person, sometimes more so, depending on parent input. It’s disturbing when young people are influenced by an online “friend” who wants to meet them and/or help them run away. The article said that 20 percent of teens “have met an online friend in person”. Scary. And convincing kids (and some parents) that the online presence, on the other end of their virtual connection, could be an adult—a predator wanting to do harm is sometimes impossible. (Think: my job.)
But it’s not just kids. Dr. Phil televises shows about this problem, where men and women think they are sending money to their new fiancĂ© of whom they’ve never met and sometimes never spoken to over the phone (only internet connection).
With all of that said, this post does not reflect on my blogger buddies,
who are my OFFs (online friends forever) and perfect in every way. I would meet you
anywhere, anytime and give you any amount of money (if I actually had any money) that you requested.
Recently, I read an article for teenagers Are Online Friends Real Friends? Kids hang out online as much as they do in person, sometimes more so, depending on parent input. It’s disturbing when young people are influenced by an online “friend” who wants to meet them and/or help them run away. The article said that 20 percent of teens “have met an online friend in person”. Scary. And convincing kids (and some parents) that the online presence, on the other end of their virtual connection, could be an adult—a predator wanting to do harm is sometimes impossible. (Think: my job.)
But it’s not just kids. Dr. Phil televises shows about this problem, where men and women think they are sending money to their new fiancĂ© of whom they’ve never met and sometimes never spoken to over the phone (only internet connection).
It’s difficult to watch the shenanigans humans participate in,
sometimes.
So, it's no wonder, I’ve been watching YouTube’s Nomad Living channels where people live
off the grid, in something mobile: vans, RV’s, tents, cars. Some of these
people are anti-government, but honestly who can blame them. I can even understand “some”
of their protests. One thing I’ve notice that they all have in common is their
connection to their devices (i.e., phones, laptops) and the internet and must
have a way to charge them.
Living a gypsy lifestyle is kind of alluring, but I think I’m too
girly to actually live it in real life. Seems like a lot of work to me. And the campers
would probably ignore me or ask me to leave when I pulled into their camp with a Class
A RV. No composting potty for me. No outdoor makeshift shower either. Microwave? Uh huh!
With all of that said, this post does not reflect on my blogger buddies,
who are my OFFs (online friends forever) and perfect in every way. I would meet you
anywhere, anytime and give you any amount of money (if I actually had any money) that you requested.
What do you think about online
relationships? Are we going too far?
Source: Choices Magazine
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Comments
I think relationships that don't involve kids or the opposite sex (in THAT manner) can become real friendships. Although ultimately, meeting in person is the best way to share experiences.
I still treasure my online buddies!
On the flip side, of course our judgment is impeccable in choosing our own online friends. :)
I am careful though (and broke) and won't be sending anyone my non-existent money (or bank details).
I do worry. There are so many lonely people, and a nearly equal number of unscrupulous scammers.
I can imagine in your job you'll have to be hugely diplomatic ... as DG says there's so much push to sharing so much without knowing what's what. I'm quite glad I'm not a parent ...
I do think parents are silly too - well I think I'll stop there ... I'll just look after little old me! I like to understand, but that's it ... I don't need the details - I can't understand people's interest ...
Love my blogging friends though and making a point of connecting as a friend, rather than an unknown quantity - that's where this community helps ... we can see the other connections ...
Take care and all the best ... cheers Hilary