I get the internet, inasmuch as there's anything specific to "get" about it. But the time I spend online has a weird non-relationship to the rest of my life. If you feel this way, does it concern you? If, on the other hand, you've seamlessly integrated your online & offline lives, are you aware of having done that consciously? (I put this in Society & Culture because it's not about the Web per se, more about your psychological approach to the time and energy you expend online.)
203929
The internet identity that you carry is separate from the identity that you have in your daily life. the difference between the two could perhaps explain why you feel that it is not "real life." Also interaction over the internet is even colder than a phone call, so I can sypathize with you.
159135
Super no! Right on with having your personal time! I myself am just learning to be independent.Its nice to know that other people are functional and happy enjoying their own company! Thank you for your question!
218772
I didn't respond on the other, but...... yes I do it for recreation and the genuine feeling that perhaps I will help one person a day in the hopes of helping someone to see a different side of life/perspective.  I am a bit older and sometimes that help.  I have an account on MySpace but haven't 'set it up' or put it ot use yet.. but it's there and haven't dug around it enough to know what's there.  Oh and 41 yrs old.
299608
There is a whole segment of people that have a whole list of different (wierd) fetishes. To them it seems very normal to behave that way. In some cases they just dont respect themselves, others, or have been the product of abuse. I have a myspace and it has helped me network. I get great advice from others on building my race cars as well as I find out where and when some of the local reggae concerts are going on. Myspace is not all bad but it aint all good either
174532
Oh sure it's very possible it's depends on the person u want to share the relationship wit some are eat and run person and some ppl really mean it but those eat and run ppl has tanished the image of others. So ppl will be thinking that they are Birds of a feather. And sometimes it will depends on how best u are in expression. But online relationship is possible, cuz one of my frnds is in a deep relationship wit someone out of our country and they are now living 2gether as Husband and Wife.
145144
You are definitely not insane. Probably just bored like me. This is also incredibly addictive. It also feels like a little community of like minded individuals has formed. Maybe it's just a chance to talk about the stuff that we don't feel free to do so with others face to face. Its kind of anonymous, yet informative and entertaining. Kind of nice to know you are not alone. Don't you think?????
47701
The answer to this can only be subjective.  If it interfers with your regular activities, and keeps you from getting necessary things done, it's too much.\n\nIf other people around are inconvenienced, and complaining about you spending too much time here, you should re-examine your priorities.\n\nFor myself, this is just about the only thing left I really can do, so I spend hours every day on this site.  I can't do anything else, so there is no harm.  My son and grandson are really glad I found something to keep me busy, so they don't feel so guilty when they want to do their own thing.
507995
Ive made many friends over the internet, some really good ones.\nAlthough the relationship is completely different to non-cyber friends.\nBut all the same yes, you can form good friendships.
553468
Tristan, I know the feeling I have fell in love with men that totally turned me on and yes it can become addictive, especially if you have a reason for it...I have fun talking to men online and whatever else it may leads me because of the thrill of it and the challenge as well....I like what they say to me and some of them have said some really nice things to me to keep me coming back for more...I find it fun and exciting..And no you will not be able to resist the temptation of doing the cyber thing...Trust me I know!
202967
I am married to a man that I met online.  I thought that I loved him while we were only communicating online.  But once we actually met in person and starting dating things were very different...in a good way.  And I then when I ACTUALLY fell in love with him, I realized that what I felt for him before wasn't love at all...but more of an infatuation.  \n\nI think it's very easy to get feelings for another person via the internet.  But I do honestly believe it is VERY different in person.\nI don't think you can love someone until you know them completely, and you just can't do "at first sight" or over the internet.
596291
I don't IM, & yes, sometimes I feel a little "out of the loop," but I prefer good  "old-fashioned" e-mail. #1, it gives me (& my brain) time to organize & give good, thoughtful responces. #2, it gives the people that I write to the opportunity to think about what I'm saying (which is often necessary).\nI don't IM or text, but I don't care (most of the time). I have FAR more important things to worry about! It's all a matter of opinion! :-)
193917
is that when people are married in the internet world, but not actually in the real world? interesting concept
222675
Of course technology leads to social isolation in some situations. For instance, the people holed up in their houses for days on end with game systems. Being on the internet constantly...I could go on and on. I have though of it before, and the impact on our society as a whole, but we have to change with it. There are positive aspects, too, such as making deadlines at work via working 'over' at home, e-mailing and IMs to people who you wouldn't normally be able to contact due to high long distance costs, etc.
86035
Yes, there is SUCH a thing as a 'connection.' I met a buddy online, I have never met him in person, he lives in another country, and over the 6 years we have been chatting we have learned a great deal from each other, he can even tell when I'm having a bad just by my style of writing.  We have exchanged family pictures through the course of the 6 years, we have grieved, rejoiced and celebrated many wonderful events, all through the YAHOO medium.  And sex was never an issue, it was never first nor foremost in our relationship.  We exchanged many stories regarding sexual content, but it was never what kept us together as friends.\n\nI also have a wonderful online connection with my college sweetheart, he writes and chats with me, going on 4 years now.  Yes, we reminisce about the OLD days, but again, sex is not the issue, we share a common connection, the past.\n\nMy current partner, and I have a wonderful connection, we have grown together through the bad times and good times, compromising for the best.  I think the key is patience.  The person you are meant to be with, will eventually come your way, don't force it--it will happen eventually either online or in real life.\n\nGood Luck and prosper...;*!*;...
292025
Many speculate that the www, the web of communication we use so freely these days, is representative of the etheric web where telepathy takes place.  If you look at it that way we're getting pretty darn close to instantaneous communication.  So, yes, I do believe technology is an expression of the evolution of our consciousness.  Good question btw.
45566
I really care about how people feel in here. I know that internet sites are usually cold,anoymous places but I dont feel that way here. I dont really care about how many points I earn because I am just here to help. Its not like we actually get anything with those points although it is an added bonus that makes you feel active here. I also come because its one of the better sites with things to do.
201888
It's a feeling I'm all to familiar with.  I'm an oddball.  I don't like to run with the pack.  The pack I run with today might decide we're lemmings tomorrow.  I've had a great deal of success at being myself, and as much as it pisses off the world, I'm not ****ing changing.  I find that as much as I've heard that Christians are strangers and aliens in this land, just as much I'm finding it's the truth.  I feel alone much of the time, and it's a rare thing for me to find someone who thinks and feels the way I do.  Hope this helps, as I don't really know where you're coming from.  From a psychological point of view, perhaps you simply need to find your center and connect with people who have more similar interests.  Or perhaps you should do what I find myself doing much of the time...hanging out with my dog.