what is the psychology behind this?

I think it makes perfect sense it allows the therapy of talking whilst not effecting relationships you have with people you know.if you make somekind of startling admission it may change how your friends think of you and you can't be open about people you know as you could never be sure that the person you talked about wouldnt find out so you would worry about jeopardizing your relationship.

I think that they want to hide something from their family members or at times they may not find it comfortable to discuss everything with their own family or friends.As if they discuss on some matter which is related to their family members or friends, then may be they may not appreciate it or get hurt. So it is good to discuss some matters with strangers like social networking site .Also strangers will give them a fair suggestion because they are unrelated to them,sans any bias.

Anonymity! I guess it is easy to speak to someone when you know that the person can't use your words against your or what ever is happening to you (specially if it is bad), it won't be that painful to the person! At times I won't tell my mom that I have got a bruise because I know that it will hurt her but if someone sees that in my class or office then that's fine. Isn't it?

Welcome to Mylot MG! I think the reason for this is that our cyberfriends are a part of our secret life.

In my opinion, we are like that, because we feel ashamed to share them to our family. It's because the tendency of the family, is to reprimand or tell you, " i told you.". Whereas to our online friends, we could share unabashedly, because they do not personally know you after all.

There is too much baggage with family and they all have their own agendas. Strangers have nothing to go on and treat you as they find you and are far less judgmental! A stranger's insight into a problem is usually a much needed breath of fresh air!