Do you have friends whom you only keep in contact with through the internet or text messaging?

Question

I am doing a research project about how technology affects socialisation in society. Is it possible to be a virtual friend and not have any face to face contact? Is this friendship as important to you as friends with whom you meet up and hang out with?

Answer 1

I have made a couple of friends through Y/A!. One is in a different state and the other does live in the same state, but still 4 hours away. I value them as much as any other friendships. ;)

Answer 2

I always talk about the negative effects from having Virtual Friends.. or even talking to your Real friends through messaging services most of the time.

Talking to someone (face to face) has a different taste.. there is what we call a "Body Language", "Facial Expressions" and "Voice Tone".. all of these things helps in strengthen the relation with the person you are talking to.

Where text messages, emails and instant messages are "Senseless".. and most of the time people misunderstood each other (because it's based on your best judgment and on the writing skills of the sender)... and the whole meaning of the message might get upside down just because of a typo :)

Best luck with your project!

Answer 3

There are friends that i have through only text and friends that i have through only internet. Is it more important that those in my immediate life? Not really no but i care about them just as much yes.

Answer 4

Yes.
Also, web cams and headphones help provide face to face contact. Pictures through the email/messenger help with culture exchange like foods, holidays, pets, etc.

Answer 5

I have lots of "friends" or at least people whose "signons" I know with whom I trade opinions on various professional forums. Sharing knowledge is very important.

Answer 6

yes