"The only way to have a friend is to be one." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hello! So, I'm about to embark on a 10-15 page midterm paper of my choice. The topic I've chosen to write about is:
The strength of internet friendships and its defiance against the stigma associated with the internet and its culture
The exact exploration question is still in the works, but the concept is the same either way. I am going to explore this topic with personal, scholarly, and anecdotal references (from you guys) about why we shouldn't be ashamed of having online friends (more than real life friends) and that making friends on the internet is not for loners and losers.
So, I'd love to have input from all of you regarding this topic Please, feel free to add WHATEVER it is you want. It'll really help me get a sense of where my paper can go. Currently, these are just some of the questions I have floating in my head. Your input can answer or not answer the questions below.
If you have any references or resources that you think will help me, please don't hesitate. I am going to look through Anneli Rufus's Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto to start, followed by blog posts and scholarly articles about the importance of friendships, etc. The essay is due November 1st.
Those are just the beginning questions that have surfaced thus far. I'll probably add more? But, please, contribute anything you would like! You don't have to answer any questions if you don't want. Anything and everything is helpful to me. Tell me stories! Discussion in this entry would mean so much to me as well! If you want to be private about it, you can PM me your comment, too!
I would be forever grateful for whatever input I receive, because your friendship means so much to me. I can't ever express my gratitude for when you all support me through my ups and downs.
This post will make my heart sing and cry at how strong internet friendships can be. I have fandoms to thank. But, I have hogwartsishome to thank for showing me just how fulfilling and satisfying it can be.
So, thank you, everyone. You've made me so happy. You've helped me grow and mature. It is such a blessing to be loved by you all. I only hope that my love and gratitude is expressed in the manner that you all rightfully deserve.
The strength of internet friendships and its defiance against the stigma associated with the internet and its culture
The exact exploration question is still in the works, but the concept is the same either way. I am going to explore this topic with personal, scholarly, and anecdotal references (from you guys) about why we shouldn't be ashamed of having online friends (more than real life friends) and that making friends on the internet is not for loners and losers.
So, I'd love to have input from all of you regarding this topic Please, feel free to add WHATEVER it is you want. It'll really help me get a sense of where my paper can go. Currently, these are just some of the questions I have floating in my head. Your input can answer or not answer the questions below.
- There's always the distinction between 'online life' and 'real life (RL)'. Should there be? Isn't being online part of real life? Doesn't it influence your body, soul, and mind? Does separating the two only isolate and alienate a person more?
- Why is there such negativity and stereotype that heavy online users are loners, losers, and socially inept, etc?
- Why is internet friendship looked down upon (think online dating, too)? Why do we feel ashamed ourselves (if we do)?
- What are the benefits of having online friends? (For me, there are many, and an example would be I've become an even more effective communicator, because my friends can only go off of what I write.)
- What are the downfalls of having online friends? (An example, but not limited, would be…how do I know that what I write or convey shows the real me? Is my perception of myself the same as how people would perceive me? And there's always not having your friend there physically too)
- What are the pros and cons of meeting an online friend in real life? Does the transparency in how you talk and what you disclose change? Would it get awkward?
- How does sending and receiving physical things (letters, postcards, candy, and trinkets) give meaning to your online friendship? What do you feel? How is it different from sending things to someone you met 'in real life'?
- In what ways does having an online friendship more fulfilling? Is this even possible? Or, are all friendships the same in fulfillment factor?
- What are benefits to having online friendships compared to real life friendships? Are there these benefits? How are they satisfied?
If you have any references or resources that you think will help me, please don't hesitate. I am going to look through Anneli Rufus's Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto to start, followed by blog posts and scholarly articles about the importance of friendships, etc. The essay is due November 1st.
Those are just the beginning questions that have surfaced thus far. I'll probably add more? But, please, contribute anything you would like! You don't have to answer any questions if you don't want. Anything and everything is helpful to me. Tell me stories! Discussion in this entry would mean so much to me as well! If you want to be private about it, you can PM me your comment, too!
I would be forever grateful for whatever input I receive, because your friendship means so much to me. I can't ever express my gratitude for when you all support me through my ups and downs.
This post will make my heart sing and cry at how strong internet friendships can be. I have fandoms to thank. But, I have hogwartsishome to thank for showing me just how fulfilling and satisfying it can be.
So, thank you, everyone. You've made me so happy. You've helped me grow and mature. It is such a blessing to be loved by you all. I only hope that my love and gratitude is expressed in the manner that you all rightfully deserve.