[SharkAttack]

Friendships are exactly what they are, friendships. Connections with give and take, and perhaps some deep emotions involved. There are no bounds when it comes to the Internet. Best friends I've ever had are often thousands of miles away. One of my oldest online friends is from Southern California. Met her online about 15 years ago whilst living in Philadelphia, 3000 miles away. And then met her IRL about 5 years ago on a trip to Disneyland with the kids and wife. We hugged, as friends do, and walked and talked and took pictures. We've since moved here to the same area and still do most of our talking online and through chat/email with occasional dinners ever few months. Great experience that stemmed from two strangers meeting in a rare chat room.

Also have met some very sweet online friends from both Canada, UK, Australia, Romania, and Germany, IRL. Sure, be careful and smart fgs, but you can kind of feel it out as you go. Loads of good people out there who are just like you and want to enjoy some great experiences outside of their locale.

[the truth]

What is a friend? well I think its someone you want to share time with and someone who is generous with their time and that kindness is reciprocated. In short its someone you can have around your house at the bets of times and the worst of times and someone you can call on in the middle of the night...Im the most loyal person in the world bar none, thats just a scientific fact...But.I have no desire to meet any of you....nothing personal I come on here to unleash hell, not to find a friend. I am a delight in real life, but on here Im your worst reflection

[Nedusa]

In many ways a close Internet friend can be more of a friend than someone you see two or three times a week. There are pro's and cons to Internet friendships on the upside one can develop quite an intimate bond with regard to the amount of time you spend talking to the other person. Also freed from the normal constraints of a "real" friendship Internet friendships can become quite intense, but ultimately you do need face to face contact as you can never truly know someone through the Internet. But I think it is possible to build up good friendships on the Web especially if the person lives on another continent. But ultimately they would have to meet for the Friendship to become truly "real" ...!!!

[Kizzy]

Bens point about pen friends is very true, although I was always one for being terrified of the internet after some crazy on facebook copied my pictures once.
This said a few of you have gotten under my skin, members here are very diverse but genuine.
When I see how long some have been around on this forum, peers sharing exam stresses, mutual intrests and relationship problems it's not surprising that strong bonds have developed.

[Jake.]

Yeah I think so

[Princess]

Yes! I think a lot of online people end up talking to their online friends more than their real life friends. It's the same as any friend who moved away, just because you never see them doesn't mean they're not your friend. I think as with friendship, some stay and some don't. I've had online friend who I've known 6/7 years by now and friends who I had back then who I'm not friends with anymore and vice versa.

It's funny, most people I'm friends with off here aren't here anymore and I talk to them on Twitter but I've met five people off here now so it's a good place.

[joeysteele]

Yes I do but didn't before I joined this forum.

I came on here mainly as a supporter of BB and to share a lot of agreements and disagreements as to housemates with others who also loved BB series.

However,over so many topics and a great deal of communication with people on here,a fair few members have come to matter to me, I am interested in them as individuals and with some have shared a lot of things and talked as to things I don't often with people around me.
One person in particular,I already see as a friend,there are several others that have come to be seen as friends,for want of a better word,by me also now too, in addition to him.

It is my hope that after Uni, I will cross paths with some members on here.So yes, I believe friendships forged, on here particularly, can be real and lasting,I would hope so anyway.

[Harry!]

Yes definitely, I have so many similarities with some people who I talk to online and they are good to talk to. Although I would like to meet some of the people I talk to online (defo meeting 1 person I talk to online in 2013 ) it is still great talking to people - even of you never see them in real lofe.

[Z]

I think internet friends are real friends, but they're not the same as your real life friends... often you can be more open with internet friends because there are, in a way, no consequences if you tell someone a personal secret. With real life friends, they know you in a different way and probably have more of a gauge of your character but are still your friends regardless... online friends generally only get to know the good side of you, the side you want them to see.

[CharlieO]

no and i think anyone who thinks they are are deluded in le fache

[Niall]

I think they definitely can be. I talk to some people who I've met through the internet even more than my real life friends.

[Livia]

I anybody a real friend? You have to put your trust in people, and sometimes they turn out to be not all they seem. That goes for real life as well as the Internet. The friends I have on here I class as real friends and actually, I'm probably more open about myself on here than I am with people offline.

[Jake.]

Originally Posted by Livia

I anybody a real friend? You have to put your trust in people, and sometimes they turn out to be not all they seem. That goes for real life as well as the Internet. The friends I have on here I class as real friends and actually, I'm probably more open about myself on here than I am with people offline.

Pretty much this. At least with online friends you have the confidence that they won't be slagging you off behind your back (because they know no one who you know).

I think it's all about perception. If you view people as your friends, then they are your friends. I have friends that I rarely see, but when I see them, it's like we see each other regularly.

And I have friends that I see all the time, that have grown up in the same group as me, that I don't particularly like that much. Friendships by their very nature are personal and viewed differently by people.

This isn't a yes or no question, it's about personal feelings. I think it's easier to not have to put on a brave face over the internet. Sometimes if people ask if you are alright, then in life it's easier to say yes, rather than go through your troubles.

[Raph]

I think that's a really interesting article. I do feel as though my friends online are my real friends but there's always the question of whether or not we would actually be able to get along in person. Chemistry among people is quite different online v in real life, and it's really unpredictable. I do think though that on sites like TiBB where we really get close to the other members, on a personal level, true friendships can be formed. But definitely not just with anyone. It'd be really interesting to meet with someone from TiBB and see how the relationship molds out in real life.