Virtual Friends

At one time they were considered to be unhealthy. Depending on what generation you have grown with they may even have been called scary, potential criminals, stalkers - weirdos etc. However, it is nearly impossibly today to not have them: Virtual Friends. Whether you play an online game, or participate in social networking sites - you develop a social online network that you would not have in real life. That is not to say that you cannot cross friends over, or meet your online buddies. And yes - as with anything you still need to retain caution.

How many years ago was it? Did you ever have a pen pal? Or perhaps you have written a soldier overseas to help them through the war. Why was that not considered odd? Criminals only visit the internet, I see. Consider gambling at the casino, a game, and chatting with the people around you over a quick beer or soda in between hands or while the dealers are changing out. What is different between that - and any other online game?

I have a Facebook page, had a Myspace page, play an online game (mmo) and even have a blog. I also chat on Vent with people while playing the game that I play. I hope you would have guessed that by now. I live my life in the open and only keep certain information hidden. I will not tell you my address or social security number. Most other information is restricted as well but it is nothing that you could not find by going to your local record holder. Much of this information is free or costs minimal amounts.Of course none of my 392 friends are weird and I know each one of them. Sure...

I can tell you from experience that I have had family members have their sole social interaction online. Another family member "left" their significant other to meet an "online friend." Another family member has met several people in various spots of the US. I cannot say that I agree, however, that is not the point. Where we have sites like eHarmony, Match.com etc. why are some things acceptable and others not?

If you want an eye opening experience visit http://www.familywatchdog.us/. While visiting this site think about the stigma of online predators. You have some living next door.