There seems to be some huge taboo about putting yourself on the internet. Everything that goes up seems to be very permanent, and you have no idea who will see any of it. There are millions of people who use the internet, but a lot of the people we see online just feel like notifications on your screen. But what happens when you get to know the people behind these numbers?
Expand Your Pool of People
Let’s be real. This is the biggest reason people our age tend to use dating apps. Sometimes the person you need to meet just isn’t in the same place as you right now. This applies to platonic relationships too. Although we’re introduced to thousands of people in our regular environments, there are so many more people we can meet. With the internet comes a way for us to expand our environments, and the ability to meet people without needing to be physically close. Especially for people who are unable to go out often or who are afraid to talk to people, it can be nice to meet people through the comfort of your phone.
Meet People With Your Interests
One of the biggest perks that comes from using the internet is that you’re much more likely to meet people with the same interests as you. Think of it like an extracurricular club! This may not sound very exciting, but for people with more niche interests, this makes a world of difference. Often you might have an interest which isn’t popular amongst your in-person friends. If you aren’t able to meet people in real life with the same interests as you, it can be really nice to meet someone online with the same passions.
In my experience, I found that some of my internet friends shared my interest in Broadway musicals, so we’re able to talk about new shows and actors together. Another one of my friends was in her school’s vocal program, and I was in the school band, so we were often able to connect over concerts and pieces.
Get an Outside View on Things
Online friends can be a terrific support system for the times you can’t talk in person. For instance, someone who is struggling with their identity may be able to find support online, especially if they don’t feel particularly supported in their home lives. Online forums and other internet groups allow people to find others who understand them and develop a sort of comradery. Online friends may also be a confidant and can give different perspectives. Especially with problems surrounding your in-person friends, having someone who has no relation to them may offer a good outside perspective.
Learn About Different Experiences
Finally, another fun part of meeting people online is the way that it introduces you to different experiences. The most obvious differences come from physical location. I have met people all over the world with different lives from myself, although we can still find shared hobbies and interests.
Just by being able to talk to a diverse group of people, you can be introduced to so many different experiences and become more aware of other people’s experiences. It’s eye-opening to see how different people are living, and the types of valuable insights you can gain by exposure to others.
A Quick Word on Privacy
I’d like to finish off with a reminder that you should be careful on the internet. Although I’ve listed some of the positives that come with meeting people online, there are definitely some risks when it comes to meeting strangers. To be on the safe side, do not leak personal information such as your last name or address unless you *really* trust who you’ve met. Although it’s up to your personal judgement, you should be aware of the information you’re giving out, and don’t agree to meet someone you’ve just met. Although people can be terrific, they’re not always how they seem.
Now that I’ve shared some of my experiences, I hope you begin to see online friends in a new light and might be more open to meeting people online. There are lots of people to meet, and who knows? Some of them might become your best friends.