Real Life Friends vs. Internet Friends: A Dual Perspective

When it comes to social connections, many people find themselves struggling with the question: should they prioritize real-life friends or internet friends? In this article, we explore different viewpoints and weigh the pros and cons of both categories of friends.

My Experience with Real Life and Internet Friends

Unlike many who might argue in favor of real-life friends, my experience has shown me that internet friends can be incredibly supportive and comforting. Unlike my 'irl' (in real life) ‘friends’ who often fail to empathize with me or show genuine care, my online friends have always been a safe haven for me.

For instance, when I suffered from emotional bullying from my real-life friends, who only seemed to make fun of me and leave me in tears, I found solace in the kindness and empathy of my online friends. They would always be there for me, offering support and understanding by simply being there, often in the most unexpected times.

It's worth noting though that a lot of my online friends are also real-life friends whom I have met face to face. In these cases, the strength of the friendship already exists, and it's easy to transition into an online relationship that complements the in-person connection.

Real Life Friends vs. Online Friends: Pros and Cons

Real life friends can be more permanent and deeply rooted in your life, providing a sense of continuity. They can support you through thick and thin, share life experiences, and form a bond that is hard to replicate in an online environment. They are there for you in real-time, provide emotional and practical support, and create memories that can last a lifetime.

In contrast, online friends have the advantage of being available around the clock and being spread across different time zones. If you are a highly active person and your local friends are already sleeping, you can simply go online to reach out to your virtual buddies who are up and active. This allows for a more flexible and dynamic approach to friendship that can be very supportive especially for busy individuals.

On the downside, however, online relationships can sometimes lack the depth and physical connection that real-life interactions provide. It is easier to misinterpret messages and emotions online, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that might not arise in a face-to-face setting. Additionally, online friends can't share the same physical space, which can limit the type of experiences and memories that can be created in a real-life friendship.

Choosing Both: A Harmonious Approach

Both real life and online friends have their merits. If I had to pick one, I would choose real-life friends because online friends can't do much in the moment or offer the same level of reassurance and support. However, if you're looking to make a friend online or in real life, I would go for the online route.

My personal advice is to strike a balance between both categories of friends. By maintaining a mix of both, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded social life with a blend of immediate support and long-term companionship. You can seek online friends for your late-night chats and activities over different time zones while maintaining a strong presence in your real-life community.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between real-life friends and internet friends ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences. A balanced approach, where you maintain both, is often the best way to ensure a fulfilling and supportive social life. So, embrace the world of online friendships while still nurturing your real-life connections.

Feel free to reach out if you want to connect with me. You can visit my profile page for more information. Remember, the key is to find and nurture both types of friendships for a richer life experience.