Is it advisable to look for friends online?

For years I counselled the young people in my study groups against social networking. Three years ago I was Googling for some information and one of the responses was a discussion on myLot. The poster was an atheist with views completely opposite to mine. I wanted to respond to his proposal so I joined myLot. He and I had many very long debates, but all were conducted with respect and courtesy. We became great friends and remained so. I also met several others who are still good friends. I left myLot two years ago and have recently returned. I have met some net friends and will be meeting more soon. I have exchanged personal details with some others I would be happy to meet. There are other friends I enjoy spending time with on the net, but would not share personal details. The biggest problem comes with children and young people. Young people do not have the maturity to discern the character of net friends and we all know that dangers lurk there. Parents should keep a very watchful eye on their family's time on the net and all children, in the school system, should be taught correct net behaviour and the associated dangers.

All of this is fine providing you do not give out details about yourself, where you are and other personal information. Even your true name. You can become very good friends with someone on-line and not have a clue where they are and that is as it should be. One guideline to go by is if the other friend needs to know too much about you before you feel they should it's time to find another friend. Looking for friends is what the Internet is all about anymore but caution is always advisable. Always.

I think it is great to have someone to talk to that you don't know personally. You can come to web sites, like here on myLot, and vent to people. Then you don't have to worry about what others may think about you. You can open up and share your feelings without really giving away any personal information. Although, one does need to be cautious. And don't give out too many details. It is good to keep your actual identity a secret in case there is a crazy stalker out there looking for someone to nab. I hope that you will have all good meetings with any friends that you make online!

NO! I'net friends are fun to share ideas with, but true friendship is reserved for those who are there before you. Boy I sound like a old so and so, but that is how I see it.