Despite being in a highly technological age, society has deemed that there is a distant difference between “real-life” friendships and online ones. The truth is, though, that there is little difference between the two, and one is no more important than the other.
Through Instagram and Tumblr, I have found some of the kindest people I have ever met. There was, of course, some apprehension in regard to the reality of these people’s identities, but they proved to be who they claimed, and friendships blossomed. There are so many lovely people that I have met, but I’d like to draw attention to a few of these friendships in particular.
One girl and I stayed up for hours one night as I struggled with an anxiety attack, discussing our individual experiences with the mental illness and coping mechanisms the other should try. By the time she went to bed that night, I was calm enough to sleep.
Another account and I talk about whatever happens to be going on in our lives. We check in on each other once in a while, even if life and school are too hectic for us to talk frequently. No matter what, though, we both know that we have somewhere to turn if we need it.
My Tumblr friends are all sweet people who will recommend me books, ask about my day, or just talk about fandom. Nothing is nicer than having a bad day and have someone message you because they noticed your posts when no one in your “real” life really knows what’s going on, or your problems seem too minuscule to bring to them. It warms my heart to know that people think of me when they read particular books or see some posts.
I’ve been corresponding with one of my favorite authors, Matthew Dicks since I was a freshman in high school. He’s given me writing advice and answered a ridiculous amount of questions. We’ve talked about our families and books we’ve enjoyed. We check in on each other from time to time.
I’ve helped edit two of his manuscripts now, and he’s helped me grow into the writer and the young woman that I am now. One of the two times I met him in person, he told my mother that I will achieve great things, and that has stuck with me for all this time. Matt, he’s a good guy.
Finally, I want to touch on one of the few Internet presences that have reached out to me when I’ve needed it. Cliff is engaged to one of the most popular writing YouTubers on the whole platform, Jenna Moreci, and he reached out to me after I commented on his Instagram that his funny videos helped me feel better when my anxiety gets bad.
He made it a point to message me about my issue and even gave me motivation about school. We talk the least by far, but we do occasionally catch up with my mental health and his physical health. Above all, though, I hope he knows how much I admire his strength and his kindness.
When I really feel like school is kicking me while I’m down, I’ll read over those motivational messages he sent me, and it’s good to know what someone who doesn’t even know me that well has faith in me.
So, online friendships may not be traditional, but in no way are they trivial compared to “real-life” relationships. There is some care that must be taken since you can’t physically see the person, yes, but trustworthy people do exist in the realms of the internet. Kind people exist in the realms of the internet. Genuine friendships can be formed, and they affect our lives just as much as those with people we see every day.
Matt, Cliff, and all of my other friends on Tumblr and Instagram, thank you so much for helping motivate me and making me into the person that I am as well as shaping the young woman I am becoming. You all are so kind, and I don’t know what I did to deserve you.
