I think it was on Good Morning America where I heard this, not sure, but the internet has become the social gathering of our society. More people are making friendships with people they have never met in person, and not going out to make friends one on one.
I'm one of those people, and like I'm sure is the case with most of you, this is the only way I can meet people. We get to choose groups with others who have the same interests as we do. And we do get to know one another and make friends. Where else would we go, to bars, clubs? Been there--done that AND do not want to go there again( its been A LOT of years) Its scary to put yourself out there, one on one with people when you hear everyday about someone getting killed or beaten. Even when you feel you're in a safe group, there can be that one person who has deceived everyone! Ya just can't be 100% sure.
Then there is the situation of having no other way to make friends, like me, this is all I have, without you I would have no one to talk to. My boys are all grown and have their own lifes to keep them occupied, all I have are my dogs, and tho they are good company, they lack the ability to converse with me (verbally)!
I am thankful for the internet, it brought me to a little home away from home called Eons, where I have met and made friends with a lot of very nice people I would not have met otherwise! Some days, I just browse around and never say anything, just listen(read lol) other days I jump right in, like this morning, I have been feeling really down, not feeling like talking to even my best friend here, I read a few blogs, and it got my day off to a good start, I feel that shell is going away!! I may be "ranting" and not making any sense, but I know you, my friends will have a kind word to say that will put a little sunshine back in my day!
There are a lot more "Online friends" out there that I haven't met, and I'm looking forward to meeting and making as many as I can!