Online friends are an interesting concept. My entire life I was told to "watch out for strangers on the Internet." In fact, a couple days ago, I saw a list of advice for kids when using the Internet and precautions to take when talking to those online. I sent the picture to one of my best friends, who I met online, because I thought it was funny that we had broken almost all of the rules advised.
Although talking to random people you've never met is often ill-advised, I have gone about it in a safe manner. If anyone has ever seemed suspicious, I abandoned the conversation. I always make sure that the person I am talking to is genuine before I become further invested.
I believe online friends are important because you know your friendship isn't based on your situation. For example, many of my friends growing up were my friends because we went to school together and saw each other five days a week. However, with online friends, the friendship involves much more to sustain it and keep it alive. You are not going to have your classmate gossip or the teachers that irk you to maintain a conversation, leading the conversations to be more enriching and deeper.
The online friends I've found have been through mutual interests. I first started making friends online when I was joined fan groups for my favorite band on social media. It started out with casual comments here and there with others who appreciated the artists' work as much as I did. We would talk about our favorite songs, band members, how much they meant to us, and eventually, we would talk about ourselves.
Over the years, the friends I have met online have helped me through personal issues that I did not feel comfortable telling those I knew in real life, and I like to believe I helped them somewhere along the way. They have given me access and insight into cultures I may never understand. I've learned so much about Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and many more through the friends I've made. Everything including their mannerisms, slang, and lifestyles. One of my friends knows at least four languages and would help translate conversations with friends and sometimes even my Spanish homework when I was struggling.
Over the years, they helped me to become more outgoing in person because as someone who grew up with social anxiety, it is difficult for me to approach people. They've given me courage that people will want to be my friend if I go up and try to start a conversation. They mean more to me than they may ever realize.
