What do you think? Is it possible to be friends with someone whose character you know only through her own typed words? Whose life you cannot see or know? Whose integrity you cannot assess?
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Online friends
I have no experience with social networking media – Facebook, Twitter, etc. However I have been a member of several online groups for well over a year. During this time, I have seen so much encouragement, gracious help, humour, and wisdom from the other members that I think of them as friends, and would love to know these people in real life.
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5 comments:
Well Penny, I sure hope so. Because they're the only friends I have at the moment! :)
But I would hope that everyone puts their own character into their writing. I so often forget that I don't actually know all these people. I talk to my husband, saying, "My friend so-and-so just had her baby!" or "We need to pray for this person because she's..." and he asks me, "Who are you talking about?!" as if he's supposed to know! "Um, DUH Dear, she's my FRIEND!"
Interesting topic. I'm curious to see what others think, as well.
This idea has been percolating around in my mind since I wrote it a week ago, and I think that over time, it becomes impossible to hide who you truly are, even in writing.
So having known you, for example, for about 6 months, I am fairly confident that I know your character, even though I only know about a small portion of your life. But someone I just came across yesterday, well, I think I would wait a bit until claiming friendship!
You are right on both counts, I think. Eventually lots of hints leak out about a person's character through online interactions. But you will never see them in action. Well, hopefully not never; I would love to meet the many people I consider friends whom I know only online. I think when that does happen, there will be some adjusting of previous impressions but hopefully not of their overall character.
I'm with Kim, they're almost the only friends I've got!
I adore ypu Penny and for that matter Kristy amd Kim too! I agree that it would be tough to hide even in writing. Especially in these mom's groups where we often share so much of ourselves. I've also had the opportunity to meet a couple of the online friends here in California and Natalie and I have hung out several times now ... so great and so fun! I'm so happy to see this blog of yours because I can never get enough Penny!
You just made my day - you are so sweet Ashlee! Love you too and thanks so much for your comment. :-)
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