Online vs. Real Life
Inspired by Khalidah’s post on Personal Attacks, and Hamzeh’s comment…
These are just some random thoughts …
-So what differentiates virtual interaction from online interaction? Should we consider our online interactions with others through our own personal websites, blogs, discussion forums (online communities) a complete waste of time or time well invested? Should we consider our virtual friends as ‘real’ friends or just some people we go to when we have a few hours to kill on MSN or Yahoo?
-I am a firm believer that online is relatively very different than real life. One of the key differences between online and real life is the personal touch. In online discussions, we tend to lose the facial expressions, body language and tone, not giving us a personal touch - the real human interaction…and though our use of emoticons in an attempt to humanize the interaction as much as possible works, it does not replace the real. Real life interactions give us a more accurate evaluation of personality, style and character.
-Many times, I read something online by bloggers or discussion forum members and find myself very impressed with the style and approach. I had the chance to speak with and meet some of those who are members of discussion forums and those who maintain their own blogs; and I must say that the real interaction has been relatively surprising, if not disappointing… these people who have such an eloquent way of expression lacked it in person! Some may aruge that online discussions give us a bit more insight into someone’s thoughts. It is true to a certain extent, for it allows us to read the person’s thoughts without necessarily being judgemental because of looks and physical attributes…
-On the other hand, some may argue that time spent online should not be taken seriously because the interaction as a whole is not ’real’ and whatever the outcome is, we should not allow it to effect us personally. Well, in some cases real words are expressed and when they are directed towards us, they are directed to a real person with emotions… so in a way they will effect us…I mean, if I am going to spend an X amount of time reading someone’s thoughts, responding to them and in the process building a connection with that someone, then one discussion takes an ugly turn where harsh words are used to express that person’s anger with me, then yes the outcome somehow is going to effect me. Afterall, my interaction is with a real, physical person who may not necessarily be sitting across from me, but in reality does exist.
-While there are so many differences between virtual world and real life, many remain the same. In both worlds you have to be cautious of who you interact with, what you share with them, how much your trust them. In both worlds you have be sensitive to people’s thoughts and show respect and tolerance to differences. Many good friends have been born out of virtual communities…Jordanplanet for example holds gatherings giving people the chance to get up close and personal and some of those have managed to become very good friends in real life… and I share my own personal stories of virtual friends becoming some of my good friends and some I would consider best friends.
