[Jafin]

I've received a lot of heat from people in RL about the time I spend online and on this forum. I think it had somewhat of an effect on me even though I didn't really realize until later because for about 5 months I almost totally ignored IW. Occasionally I would poke in a bit, post once or twice, and then not visit again for 3 weeks, a month, more. If anything, THAT harmed me more than IW did. I was developing some rather good friendships with some members here that would have flourished had I not suddenly disappeared. I received a lot of help with some problems I was having from a member here at IW and if not for his help I probably would have become very unhappy and depressed.

I really don't see a whole lot of difference between people in RL and those on the 'net. Other than the lack of visual, vocal or physical cantact, there really isn't any difference. Most likely the people trying to scam you on the 'net are going to try to scam people in any other means they can. The perverted sicko's who try to proposition children on the 'net would try in RL if they haven't already. In fact, that's what they are trying to do anyways, the 'net sicko becomes a RL sicko. Basically, if you're a slime bag on the 'net, you're a slime bag in RL and you're just as likely to encounter them in either place.

People I don't think really understand what an online community really is, or they haven't experienced it. When they haven't, they don't have any perspective and so they really don't know what they're talking about. Both of my parents have online friends, very close ones. In fact, in the summer of 2000, my mom had her friend stay with us for 2 months! And this woman lives in Sweden! She was exactly the same in RL as she was on the 'net. And my parents are some of the ones who give me the least heat about my online activities. They have experienced it. My best friend tends to (or rather did, he's given up now [img]smile.gif[/img] ) give me as much trouble about it has he can. He doesn't have any friends online that he didn't meet in person first. These people who try to say how unhealthy it is really don't know what they're talking about.

If you were losing touch with the physical world and living entirely on your computer (and IW) then there'd be a problem. Don't move toward the 'net at the expense of RL. However, be careful in moving toward RL at the expense of your 'net friends. You don't want to lose anything you'd regret...

-Jafin

[ 07-11-2002, 02:24 AM: Message edited by: Jafin ]