Are Virtual Friends For Real?

TRANCOSO · 01-06-2010, 04:36 AM

Call me old fashioned, but I somehow can't relate to the concept of cyber friendship. To me friends are flesh & blood people with faces, voices & eyes you've looked into, people you've shared special moments in your life with and who you can blindly depend on, as they can depend on you.
Calling someone a friend means you would really miss that person, if (s)he wouldn't be around anymore.
Therefore I wonder; are virtual friends for real?

THE eXchanger · 01-06-2010, 05:15 AM

my mother believed before xmas, they were not,
but, after a discussion, about whether or NOT,
she knew her friends, who she hasn't seen for 60+ years,
since, she was in her middle teens,
and, is now, corresponding with some of them via e-amil,
she finally admitted,
that she feels, like no time, has gone past,
and, she definitely does know them better ~
than she ever knew them, when they were kids.

We asked her, if she ever sat at her computer
~and, laughed when she read something,
to which, she replied, yes, as a matter of fact,
i think, i have laughed harder, than, i would ever laugh,
in front of someone else,
some people send you really crazy/and, really funny things

we asked her, if she ever received anything,
that she questioned
the truth in it,
to which she responded,
the computer has opened up parts of the world
she did NOT even know existed, and, that,
there were some things, that were really starting to concern her,
and, if they are true,
someone has to do something about it !!!

hmmm...they are waking up !!!

yes, i think, any decent relationship, normally starts,
friends first, i think, you can find people online,
and, develop friendships with

although, i have to agree ~ there is NOTHING like a friend in flesh,
right there beside you !!!

over the years, on the computer,
i have seen groups of people, do pretty amasing things,
for other people, who are simply, their online friends !!!

and, i've seen groups of people, realise, that someone is NOT acting
the way, they normally do, and, in some cases, helped someone who
was depressed, and/or, needing others, help help lift their spirits,
and, it avoided someone committing a suicide.

if you want a friend, you have to be a friend
personally, i believe, online friends, are, the same as offline friends

TRANCOSO · 01-06-2010, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE eXchanger

personally, i believe, online friends, are, the same as offline friends

Online friends exist in cyberspace. When you're cut-off from the internet, you're cut-off from them as well.
By the way, do 'dreamfriends' exist?

micjer · 01-06-2010, 05:36 AM

That is an interesting question.

I would have to say that I have met some really amazing people on this and other forums. There are some that I have become very close to and discuss things with that I wouldn't dare talk about to non-forum friends.

On another forum I am on, we exchanged photos and real names. It really helped to personalize things and brought us closer. Susan is one of the few that is open to this type of thing. Many prefer to hide behind a facade. I have no problem with that.

David Icke forum has a thread where people can post a picture of themselves. Perhaps that is something some may want to do here.

Anyways to answer your question, I would say that yes some virtual friends are very much for real.

futureyes · 01-06-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micjer

That is an interesting question.

I would have to say that I have met some really amazing people on this and other forums. There are some that I have become very close to and discuss things with that I wouldn't dare talk about to non-forum friends.

On another forum I am on, we exchanged photos and real names. It really helped to personalize things and brought us closer. Susan is one of the few that is open to this type of thing. Many prefer to hide behind a facade. I have no problem with that.
David Icke forum has a thread where people can post a picture of themselves. Perhaps that is something some may want to do here.

Anyways to answer your question, I would say that yes some virtual friends are very much for real.

what do you mean micjer ... this pic IS the real me ...

answering trancoso's question ... yes i do feel my virtual friends are real ...
a heart connection's a heart connection ... that's real enough for me ...

rhythm · 01-06-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futureyes

what do you mean micjer ... this pic IS the real me ...

answering trancoso's question ... yes i do feel my virtual friends are real ...
a heart connection's a heart connection ... that's real enough for me ...

yes she realy does look like that

and for the record ..

i made some of the best friends i ever had

on line ... also want to say ...that skype

is an excelent way to get to know them better

and to meet in the flesh evem better still ...

rhythmmm

Shairia · 01-06-2010, 01:58 PM

I think the connection is real, it's more of an energy attraction initially. Maybe a new term for that would be appropriate. One can take that energy attraction in any direction you wish, and some eventually meet up in person.

morguana · 01-06-2010, 01:55 PM

yes i think that cyber friends can be 'real', i have a very close friend, whom i have never met in real life, but we are in lots of contact and i love this person loads and should he ever need my help in any way i would give it.
m x

Jnana · 01-06-2010, 02:04 PM

It's much harder to get the true sense of a person from typed language than in person. There are so many other cues when you are in the same room, face to face. It has seemed to me that you can learn more about a person spending five minutes with them in silence than a year of typing over the internet. Virtual friends can be quite nice, but many of your notions of who that person is can change when you finally meet in person.

burgundia · 01-06-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jnana

Virtual friends can be quite nice, but many of your notions of who that person is can change when you finally meet in person.

I bet....

gita · 01-06-2010, 02:46 PM

I’ve been using the internet for many years now but only started engaging in forums since December 2009. I actually find people on these forums more of a mind and consciousness friends as here is where like minds connect and can have debates mostly without judgements. My friends in ‘real’ life whom I’ve known for decades and love dearly, however seem to be full of judgments as they do not share the same path as me and actually think I’m quiet ‘out there’ and do not believe in any conspiracies such as how human’s are actually being controlled much alone dimensional stuff. It seems as they get older they seem to be more set in their views and less tolerant towards mine even though this is how I’ve been since being a kid.

I have found myself grateful for these forums and the people/consciousness on them and see it as my second mind home. Cyber friends/consciousnesses are much appreciated by me as I’ve found a place where I am allowed to be who I really am.

Fredkc · 01-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Trancoso;

Friendship, and trust are something you give. When you give them in earnest, then it is real. It's all you can do.

When it isn't returned, then it's their loss.

When it is, then you both have something.

Not seeing/feeling the other person changes the way a relationship builds, but the nature of it seems unchanged, to me.

Best I can do,
Fred

Jacqui D · 01-06-2010, 03:44 PM

Before we had cyber friends we had pen pals, both work similar, i have made strong relationships both ways and i know some better than my friends i see on a regular basis.
I think sometimes you can say things better through messages rather than face to face some do not have that confidence to do that.
For me i contact on both levels so yes are virtual friends for real most definitely

Shaynard · 01-06-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gita

I’ve been using the internet for many years now but only started engaging in forums since December 2009. I actually find people on these forums more of a mind and consciousness friends as here is where like minds connect and can have debates mostly without judgements. My friends in ‘real’ life whom I’ve known for decades and love dearly, however seem to be full of judgments as they do not share the same path as me and actually think I’m quiet ‘out there’ and do not believe in any conspiracies such as how human’s are actually being controlled much alone dimensional stuff. It seems as they get older they seem to be more set in their views and less tolerant towards mine even though this is how I’ve been since being a kid.

I have found myself grateful for these forums and the people/consciousness on them and see it as my second mind home. Cyber friends/consciousnesses are much appreciated by me as I’ve found a place where I am allowed to be who I really am.

Same would apply to me..

With my point of view, we are all connected, and I love everyone. So internet or real life makes no difference to me personally. I do not feel separated from people because of physical space.

I have found I can have just as much compassion and caring for someone I have never seen in person, and only talk to online.

So my personal answer would be yes. it's about connections we share, not physical space IMO.

In light, of love
Shaynard

micjer · 01-07-2010, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futureyes

what do you mean micjer ... this pic IS the real me ...

I found another pic of you futureyes!!

Hope you were OK !!!

futureyes · 01-07-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micjer

I found another pic of you futureyes!!

Hope you were OK !!!

hahaha micjer ... that silly photo of me still making its rounds ...

yup ... me as a kid ... one of my first dives ... hit a little too hard but came through unscathed ...

never did look good in candid shots ...

Fredkc · 01-07-2010, 08:19 PM

Are they, or can they be for real? well....

Here are some people I only knew from a chat room, for about 8 years now.

The man on the left, and woman on the right knew each other for about 5 years
online only. Then met, got married, and are married to this day. She is from Canada.
He from Arizona. Now they both are in Az working a business they started together.

The one in the middle, a mutual friend lives about 90 miles from me.
This picture is taken by me, about 2 years ago. We all met in San Diego.
Rented a sailboat for the day, then did dinner and bar hopping that nite.

Unforgettable day.

Virtual, or otherwise, a friend is a friend.

Fred

bushycat · 01-07-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futureyes

hahaha micjer ... that silly photo of me still making its rounds ...

yup ... me as a kid ... one of my first dives ... hit a little too hard but came through unscathed ...

never did look good in candid shots ...

You were pretty cute kid. I think I saw you few years ago in Kona. You were having a great time. Just shows different aspects of friendship. I followed you around for a while and knew there was a connection between us.

Aloha,
BC

TRANCOSO · 01-08-2010, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Fredkc
Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real?
Are they, or can they be for real? well....
Here are some people I only knew from a chat room, for about 8 years now.
The man on the left, and woman on the right knew each other for about 5 years online only. Then met, got married, and are married to this day. She is from Canada. He from Arizona. Now they both are in Az working a business they started together. The one in the middle, a mutual friend lives about 90 miles from me.
This picture is taken by me, about 2 years ago. We all met in San Diego.
Rented a sailboat for the day, then did dinner and bar hopping that nite.

Unforgettable day.

True love,
that's a wonder
these days

micjer · 01-08-2010, 05:35 PM

We should all post our pics then.

Fredkc · 01-08-2010, 06:21 PM

I'll go second...

Me in Charlie Daniels mode:

Me in "Sunday go to wedding" mode, w/haircut:

"... I can't wait to look in the mirror,
Cuz I get better lookin' each day..."

TRANCOSO · 01-08-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micjer

We should all post our pics then.

You know what? Something tells me this isn't really you...

sunny D · 03-04-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRANCOSO

You know what? Something tells me this isn't really you...

Majorion · 03-04-2010, 12:41 AM

There a few people I've met on the web that I still keep in touch with, they are very much real friends to me, in fact they understand me better than some folks in real life. I think that text can be far more revealing of a person's nature and their way of thinking, than regularly assumed. Its great to find those like minded, the internet 'sectors' make it especially easy.

Swanny · 03-04-2010, 10:42 AM

I missed this thread
I've met many people from the net over the years and have made some great real life friendships.
Internet friendships can be as good as real life ones and even better IMO
I used to play a lot of online fighting games and spent probably 8 hours a day online with my mates, we all had mics and would chat away while playing. So I spent more of my time talking to them than anyone else at that time, just as I chat more to you lot about this stuff than my other friends.
Here's a good test, if you broke down on a cold wet morning at 3am how many real friends do you have that would leave their bed and come to your rescue???
Or maybe that's just a test on how good some people can be.

Friends come and go that's life.

I'd love to meet you all

Trancoso Dan and Fredkc fancy a beer or three??

01-06-2010, 04:36 AM	#1
TRANCOSO Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 964	Are Virtual Friends For Real? Call me old fashioned, but I somehow can't relate to the concept of cyber friendship. To me friends are flesh & blood people with faces, voices & eyes you've looked into, people you've shared special moments in your life with and who you can blindly depend on, as they can depend on you. Calling someone a friend means you would really miss that person, if (s)he wouldn't be around anymore. Therefore I wonder; are virtual friends for real?

01-06-2010, 05:15 AM	#2
THE eXchanger Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Spiritual eXplorer-Canada Posts: 4,915	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? my mother believed before xmas, they were not, but, after a discussion, about whether or NOT, she knew her friends, who she hasn't seen for 60+ years, since, she was in her middle teens, and, is now, corresponding with some of them via e-amil, she finally admitted, that she feels, like no time, has gone past, and, she definitely does know them better ~ than she ever knew them, when they were kids. We asked her, if she ever sat at her computer ~and, laughed when she read something, to which, she replied, yes, as a matter of fact, i think, i have laughed harder, than, i would ever laugh, in front of someone else, some people send you really crazy/and, really funny things we asked her, if she ever received anything, that she questioned the truth in it, to which she responded, the computer has opened up parts of the world she did NOT even know existed, and, that, there were some things, that were really starting to concern her, and, if they are true, someone has to do something about it !!! hmmm...they are waking up !!! yes, i think, any decent relationship, normally starts, friends first, i think, you can find people online, and, develop friendships with although, i have to agree ~ there is NOTHING like a friend in flesh, right there beside you !!! over the years, on the computer, i have seen groups of people, do pretty amasing things, for other people, who are simply, their online friends !!! and, i've seen groups of people, realise, that someone is NOT acting the way, they normally do, and, in some cases, helped someone who was depressed, and/or, needing others, help help lift their spirits, and, it avoided someone committing a suicide. if you want a friend, you have to be a friend personally, i believe, online friends, are, the same as offline friends

01-06-2010, 05:36 AM	#4
micjer Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ont. CANADA Posts: 1,043	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? That is an interesting question. I would have to say that I have met some really amazing people on this and other forums. There are some that I have become very close to and discuss things with that I wouldn't dare talk about to non-forum friends. On another forum I am on, we exchanged photos and real names. It really helped to personalize things and brought us closer. Susan is one of the few that is open to this type of thing. Many prefer to hide behind a facade. I have no problem with that. David Icke forum has a thread where people can post a picture of themselves. Perhaps that is something some may want to do here. Anyways to answer your question, I would say that yes some virtual friends are very much for real.

01-06-2010, 01:58 PM	#7
Shairia Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: On this beautiful planet Posts: 75	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? I think the connection is real, it's more of an energy attraction initially. Maybe a new term for that would be appropriate. One can take that energy attraction in any direction you wish, and some eventually meet up in person.

01-06-2010, 01:55 PM	#8
morguana Project Avalon Moderator Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: sussex, uk Posts: 1,137	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? yes i think that cyber friends can be 'real', i have a very close friend, whom i have never met in real life, but we are in lots of contact and i love this person loads and should he ever need my help in any way i would give it. m x __________________ better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace the way is not in the sky, the way is in the heart forum guidlines Avalon Chat

01-06-2010, 02:04 PM	#9
Jnana Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 653	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? It's much harder to get the true sense of a person from typed language than in person. There are so many other cues when you are in the same room, face to face. It has seemed to me that you can learn more about a person spending five minutes with them in silence than a year of typing over the internet. Virtual friends can be quite nice, but many of your notions of who that person is can change when you finally meet in person.

01-06-2010, 02:46 PM	#11
gita Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Plymouth, UK Posts: 516	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? I’ve been using the internet for many years now but only started engaging in forums since December 2009. I actually find people on these forums more of a mind and consciousness friends as here is where like minds connect and can have debates mostly without judgements. My friends in ‘real’ life whom I’ve known for decades and love dearly, however seem to be full of judgments as they do not share the same path as me and actually think I’m quiet ‘out there’ and do not believe in any conspiracies such as how human’s are actually being controlled much alone dimensional stuff. It seems as they get older they seem to be more set in their views and less tolerant towards mine even though this is how I’ve been since being a kid. I have found myself grateful for these forums and the people/consciousness on them and see it as my second mind home. Cyber friends/consciousnesses are much appreciated by me as I’ve found a place where I am allowed to be who I really am.

01-06-2010, 02:55 PM	#12
Fredkc Project Avalon Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Riverside, ca. Posts: 898	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? Trancoso; Friendship, and trust are something you give. When you give them in earnest, then it is real. It's all you can do. When it isn't returned, then it's their loss. When it is, then you both have something. Not seeing/feeling the other person changes the way a relationship builds, but the nature of it seems unchanged, to me. Best I can do, Fred __________________ "Life IS mystical! It's just that we're used to it" Evil cannot be killed. Only redeemed. Chat us up at: Avalon Chat

01-06-2010, 03:44 PM	#13
Jacqui D Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kent,England Posts: 1,267	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? Before we had cyber friends we had pen pals, both work similar, i have made strong relationships both ways and i know some better than my friends i see on a regular basis. I think sometimes you can say things better through messages rather than face to face some do not have that confidence to do that. For me i contact on both levels so yes are virtual friends for real most definitely

01-07-2010, 08:19 PM	#17
Fredkc Project Avalon Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Riverside, ca. Posts: 898	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? Are they, or can they be for real? well.... Here are some people I only knew from a chat room, for about 8 years now. The man on the left, and woman on the right knew each other for about 5 years online only. Then met, got married, and are married to this day. She is from Canada. He from Arizona. Now they both are in Az working a business they started together. The one in the middle, a mutual friend lives about 90 miles from me. This picture is taken by me, about 2 years ago. We all met in San Diego. Rented a sailboat for the day, then did dinner and bar hopping that nite. Unforgettable day. Virtual, or otherwise, a friend is a friend. Fred __________________ "Life IS mystical! It's just that we're used to it" Evil cannot be killed. Only redeemed. Chat us up at: Avalon Chat

01-08-2010, 05:35 PM	#20
micjer Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ont. CANADA Posts: 1,043	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? We should all post our pics then.

01-08-2010, 06:21 PM	#21
Fredkc Project Avalon Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Riverside, ca. Posts: 898	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? I'll go second... Me in Charlie Daniels mode: Me in "Sunday go to wedding" mode, w/haircut: "... I can't wait to look in the mirror, Cuz I get better lookin' each day..." __________________ "Life IS mystical! It's just that we're used to it" Evil cannot be killed. Only redeemed. Chat us up at: Avalon Chat

03-04-2010, 12:41 AM	#24
Majorion Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: ∞ Posts: 654	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? There a few people I've met on the web that I still keep in touch with, they are very much real friends to me, in fact they understand me better than some folks in real life. I think that text can be far more revealing of a person's nature and their way of thinking, than regularly assumed. Its great to find those like minded, the internet 'sectors' make it especially easy.

03-04-2010, 10:42 AM	#25
Swanny I dont need a label ! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Shire of Wilt Posts: 2,889	Re: Are Virtual Friends For Real? I missed this thread I've met many people from the net over the years and have made some great real life friendships. Internet friendships can be as good as real life ones and even better IMO I used to play a lot of online fighting games and spent probably 8 hours a day online with my mates, we all had mics and would chat away while playing. So I spent more of my time talking to them than anyone else at that time, just as I chat more to you lot about this stuff than my other friends. Here's a good test, if you broke down on a cold wet morning at 3am how many real friends do you have that would leave their bed and come to your rescue??? Or maybe that's just a test on how good some people can be. Friends come and go that's life. I'd love to meet you all Trancoso Dan and Fredkc fancy a beer or three??