Internet Forums

[Masque]

I realize that most answers will be a little biased, but I'm curious about your opinions and experiences when it comes to forums as an aspect of your social life.

I first started visiting forums when I was 12 (24 now), and I've since been involved in at least a few communities at all times. A common "criticism" is that you're not socializing offline when you're socializing offline, but I balanced online and offline with ease growing up. I was extremely shy when I was younger and online communities offered me an easy way to practice things like handling confrontation and communication.

Life has slowed down and they're now my primary social outlet, but I find them much more relaxing and fulfilling than trying to meet new people offline because I can simply skip the small talk and participate in deeper or more interesting discussions. Even if I'm stuck at home or don't feel up to going out, there'll be company. I should probably be looking into new hangouts for the lonelier nights, but I think I'm at my stress and financial limits right now between life, family, and my existing friendships.

 

[Edward W]

I balance work, family, offline friends and recently, this site.

This site is a refuge, a private place I can come to from time to time and share my thoughts, meet with others, have some laughs, find help, give some help if I can.

It's a tricky balancing act, more so now I've gotten to know some people better and try and stay in contact more.

In ways I am closer to some people here than offline friends, maybe I find it easier to open up whilst not face to face? Perhaps.

I have been part of forums before, I even ran one for a while, I guess they have been part of my life for some time as well.

I'm not sure what I'm trying to say, I guess yes, they are a part of my social life too!

 

[Dissident]

I've been a forumgoer for over a decade so I don't even think about it now.

 

[9006]

Well my opinion on internet forums is obviously good, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I think even a forum as diverse as this one is good for the members, forum's are a great way of communication and anonymity which works well for most people, especially here.

Having said all that, this is the only forum I've ever liked... and tolerated.

 

[Unwanted94]

I know what you mean. It is nice to converse with others online, even if they're strangers. It's refreshing discussing deep topics with those of similar interests and backgrounds.

 

[Masque]

Well my opinion on internet forums is obviously good, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I think even a forum as diverse as this one is good for the members, forum's are a great way of communication and anonymity which works well for most people, especially here.

Having said all that, this is the only forum I've ever liked... and tolerated.

What was wrong with the others?

 

[Moe'sTavern]

I primarily socialize in online communities. If I want to socialize offline, I have school for that.

 

[EveWasFramed]

I balance work, family, offline friends and recently, this site.

This site is a refuge, a private place I can come to from time to time and share my thoughts, meet with others, have some laughs, find help, give some help if I can.

It's a tricky balancing act, more so now I've gotten to know some people better and try and stay in contact more.

In ways I am closer to some people here than offline friends, maybe I find it easier to open up whilst not face to face? Perhaps.

I have been part of forums before, I even ran one for a while, I guess they have been part of my life for some time as well.

I'm not sure what I'm trying to say, I guess yes, they are a part of my social life too!

^^ This.

This was my first, and is the only forum I use.

 

[Cavey]

I used to frequent a multitude of USENET newsgroups in the mid 90s and over time I've become more and more comfortable talking to 'strangers'.

At first it was all mindless ******** or talking about old videogames in 'uk.games.video.misc'. I moved on to more serious discussion groups and was a part of one called alt.cuddle which was eerily similar to this place actually. We used to hand out virtual hugs to people that were lonely or needed cheering up for some reason.

These days I think I'm much more comfortable sharing my feelings with people online than I have ever been in the offline world.

 

[Sci-Fi]

I find forums a good way to reach out to people from around the world which you'd probably never meet in real life.

 

[Cucuboth]

Have tried many, many different sites and forums since I first started using the internet back in 1995. Have never really found one that I feel I fit in to. Would often be told that it was because nobody else in the forum groups knew me, nobody had invited me, or that being in Australia I was too far away.

 

[LeaningIntoTheMuse]

I post on a lot of forums, but there is one that I feel I fit in well. I have a high number of posts on there.

This is not that forum.

I never have felt like I fit in here, but I do value a lot of people's opinions here, and like a whole bunch of you. That's why I keep on coming back.

 

[ladyforsaken]

I post on a lot of forums, but there is one that I feel I fit in well. I have a high number of posts on there.

This is not that forum.

I never have felt like I fit in here, but I do value a lot of people's opinions here, and like a whole bunch of you. That's why I keep on coming back.

I just feel like giving you a hug.

*hug*