"Forum" Threads - WTF?

[TRIFORCE89]

I'm not opposed to online interactions, friends, or socializing. I am guilty of such. However, the growing trend of it being the primary outlet is worrisome. We'll eventually lose what it means to be human and interact on a deeper and more meaningful level.

Having intellectually stimulating conversations or being able to communicate through body language, speech, and a physical presence.

PC isn't the only place I feel comfortable. Nor is online. I'm comfortable... where I'm comfortable. What the online environment provides is anonymity for that initial breaking-the-ice moment. If I screw up, no biggie. So, in that sense I'm probably more out-going. Offline, I usually let people approach me first. But in either case, once the interaction begins I'm the same person.

 

[Kura]

I'm not opposed to online interactions, friends, or socializing. I am guilty of such. However, the growing trend of it being the primary outlet is worrisome. We'll eventually lose what it means to be human and interact on a deeper and more meaningful level.

Having intellectually stimulating conversations or being able to communicate through body language, speech, and a physical presence.

PC isn't the only place I feel comfortable. Nor is online. I'm comfortable... where I'm comfortable. What the online environment provides is anonymity for that initial breaking-the-ice moment. If I screw up, no biggie. So, in that sense I'm probably more out-going. Offline, I usually let people approach me first. But in either case, once the interaction begins I'm the same person.

Knowing you IRL I agree with this entirely. Though I also know people who seem to portray a different "persona" online than they do offline. In this case it may be worrisome because I think people SHOULD be comfortable in their own skill in front of people, to a degree.
I think the easier people can interact in front of other people IRL, the more willing they will be to contribute actively to society because they wont feel like they have to hold back in certain situations. I think the phrase "You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?" applies here. I think it's more meaningful to do, and some people are losing that and the importance of that. (Like why don't many people ever like to send cute snail-mail to their online friends? It's a nice gesture that shows that you care, more than a means of communication!) It takes more effort to do than to say, and THAT'S why I agree that it's worrisome that online relationships may take precedence for some people.