SNET Internet : Features : Survey : Online Friends

Most respondents to this week's Internet survey don't make friends online -- either they just don't (28%), think it's too dangerous (29%) or wouldn't know how (14%.)

We were a little surprised that the percentage who said they've made friends online was so low, but that's just us. The web staff at SNET Internet, understandably, spends a lot of time online. ;-)

"If you are worried about making friends with people online, then you may have a definite problem. People online are just that -- people like you and me and Joe on the street. Even better you are not in their physical presence so there is no reason to be afraid of people online. I know I don't worry when I walk into a room and talk to strangers. Why worry when they are not even physically there?" J.T., Hopeville

"I think that it is fine to meet people on line. But you should be careful if they want to meet you. If you do want to meet, do it in a public place -- or ask if they could bring some friends and if you could bring some friends." I.G., Lisbon

"Through a couple of hobby- and interest-related digests (not chat rooms) I have "met" a number of interesting people, several of whom I have later encountered in person at national gatherings. The technical information shared on these sites is useful. The generally high level of writing skill makes it fun to get to know these friendly acquaintances." J.P.S., Old Lyme

"I said No, Never! I know a woman who has met a man and is planning to marry him. Move to his city, and leave everything behind. That is great if it works. I also know of an incident that happened with a young girl talking to someone in a chat room. He was an adult, she was 14. He knew how old she was and yet, still, wanted to meet her. Fortunately she was smart and informed her parents, but oh, what could have happened if the authorities did not get involved. It is way too dangerous to take it seriously. Any chat room I have ever visited, I was not impressed with the conversations, so who would want to meet them anyway!" L.J.N., East Haddam

"I met my current girlfriend online through a dating website. She's very nice and so am I so things have been working out well." 33 Year Old Guy, Bristol

"I don't know how to talk to someone. I can't find a chat room for one to one." E.W., Kent

"The limited 'No' answer, ie: ' No, too dangerous' left out a whole class of answers such 'No desire/reason/interest/time/need/' and probably many others. A simple 'No' would be better." Charles, Torrington

"I don't like to make friends online because I think that you can not trust the Internet." Kieth, Lisbon

"I was dissappointed that there was not one more choice. I actually have a great many internet friends from all over the world. Many have come to visit in me. I have been to visit many. I could not say that it is my entire social life though so I had to go with the few good friends and it is much more than that." L.S., New Haven

"I don't talk on the phone that much either. I'd rather talk in person and it's not that important if I need to talk to anybody they I call them the old fashioned way -- the phone." G.L., Guilford