My thoughts on this.I know there are people out there who aren't exactly who (what) they say they are,i'm not naive.I've heard stories of people who've been swindled by someone they met on the internet.
I alsoknow friendships were made through this medium.As for myself,i am very choosy over who gets to know me better.I have met someone in RL once who i first contacted through the internet,and i had a wonderful day.Unfortunately,that contact faded away,but i still feel good i judged that person right.I think in all fairness i can say if someone can be trusted or not.So far,i haven't been wrong,and i hope i never will.I have a great contact with someone at the moment
and it feels very good.But like i said,for me starting friendships on the internet are rarities,but possible.