The advancement of technology has expanded forms of communication and relationships, making virtual friendship possible, for example. There are many people who, every day, enter the online world to meet and connect with other people.
However, the vast majority use the Internet to make a first contact that can then be replicated in real life.
- The question is: is it possible to establish and maintain a true friendship through this channel? As with all important questions.
- There is no single answer and different nuances must be considered.
Next, we’ll discuss aspects that involve the viability of a virtual friendship.
Friendship is a broad term and has many meanings. Not all friendly relationships are the same, not all pursue the same objectives and are not based on the same values.
There are more functional friendships in which each member considers it appropriate to approach each other because of the circumstances around them, it could be the case of a friendship born at school or at work.
On the other hand, there are friendships for fun, arise and are left by mutual feelings of affection, respect and admiration, in this case the union is not mediated by the context and the people involved choose to identify themselves by the pleasant. feelings they feel in doing so.
It makes sense to conclude that there are certain kinds of friendships that are not viable through a screen, if you have a virtual friend you cannot hug him or go to a bar with him on weekends, however, there are many other ingredients of friendship that are present in virtual relationships.
Since there is no common context that forces interaction (as in kinship and work relationships), the online relationship is completely voluntary, in addition, due to geographical distance, it is not possible to carry out activities or face-to-face plans.
For all these reasons, we can be sure that the other person’s interest in us is sincere and without hidden interests. Friendship will come from a sincere taste for each other’s personality.
It will be based on shared interests and values and a great personal affinity, both will decide to maintain the bond because they find it rewarding and satisfying.
Virtual friendships often involve a large part of written conversations, something that may seem worldly greatly facilitates our ability to express ourselves and open ourselves to others.
Written language requires more thought and introspection to select the right words. Oral communication, although more spontaneous, is also faster and therefore superficial.
Writing helps us connect with our feelings and express them more deeply, and also allows us to take the time to appreciate the nuances of what the other shares with us.
In a virtual friendship, it is possible to have a deep knowledge of the other person, creating an important emotional connection.
These three basic elements of friendship, far from being affected by physical distance, can be improved. When a virtual friendship is established, those involved can share their experiences, fears and indecisions by trusting the other person.
By the two points above (genuine interest and deep knowledge), the other will be able to understand us and offer us sincere and affectionate advice.
In addition, a person’s willingness to spend part of their time investing in building a relationship with you is always satisfactory, and the value of this gesture multiplies when the two have distinct and geographically separate lives and still give priority. to the care of this friendship.
In short, it can be concluded that a virtual friendship can never replace the physical contact and shared experiences of a traditional friendship, however, there are times when we know really interesting and similar people, even if they are physically away from us. there’s no reason to get them out of our lives.
Thus, the fact that a virtual friendship is, in a way, trapped at the limits of the environment in which it develops, does not prevent it from being truly rewarding, if there is appreciation, affection and mutual respect, if the people involved value and admire each other for what they really are, a virtual friendship can be a great experience.