How long do you really take to get to know someone?

United States
February 18, 2008 6:13am CST
How long do you really take to get to know someone? I've noticed in general that we seem to be less and less connected in the real world, and more and more connected through the internet? Why is this? Why cant we be just as connected in the real world as through the internet? What makes the internet so different? Is it that we're more closely-knit? I mean even recently I met someone new that got ahold of me through the internet, we were playing this like Q&A thing and she answered with answers she wouldn't even tell her closest friends she knew in person answers to, what is peoples thinking when they can be completely open to someone they don't know very well, compared to someone they've known forever? What're your thoughts on this subject?
5 responses
• United States
11 Sep 08
i know it's bad sometimes to date someone over the internet, espically if it's a long distance thing, parents are more concerned with what's happening online and meeting someone than off in the real world meeting someone. my thoughts are we are who we are and if we wanna be a cybering nut online, then that's our choice, if we wanna date and tell a complete stranger our most deepest darkest secrets about who we are and all, then that's our choice and no one else can make that choice for us.
@misheleen73 (6037)
• United States
18 Feb 08
I think it's easier to "open up" to people that you don't really know. People you don't have to look in the face. If they are offended or think nasty things about you, you never have to see the "look" in their eyes, etc. It's the theory behind therapists as well. Why can people open up to a therapist they don't know? It's much easier to talk to someone totally outside of the picture.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
18 Feb 08
I have tried to get to know people on and offline. Most of the people I know offline do not have an interest at all with the online activities I am involved in. They just want me to spend all of my time around them and stay offline. I try to motivate them to get online so they can earn and we can still talk and get to know one another. but it never works out. I am not completely open to anyone online or offline outside of my marriage. Some things are better unsaid and to be kept sacred and private.
@Swaana (1205)
• India
18 Feb 08
The main reason I can think of is that you dont see the person face to face and if you come across that person in the real world you wont recognize them. But if you get more personal in the real world, they tend to break each others trusts and spill out their secrets knowingly or unknowingly. That is why people are more afraid to become more close and more personal.
• India
18 Feb 08
Dear louie internet has been able to transcend all boundaries. Now v dont have to be physically present to make frendship with anyone and moreover v can chat at any point of time during the days .i mean even at night time u can leave a msg without disturbing the person .