Using the Internet to form relationships can be a positive aspect of someone's life who suffers from any physical attribute that causes social exclusion. "The interpersonal connections with strangers made possible by electronic media may be particularly valuable for youth suffering from illnesses, such as AIDS, eating disorders, and self-injurious behavior, about which they may not feel comfortable talking with their friends in person"(Kaveri, Greenfield, P. 2008).
Creating an online identity for
individuals who are socially out casted based on physical appearances gives
confidence in knowing they may find solace in their "virtual" world.
Not every relationship established online involves a romantic aspect, some
relationships can be seen more as friendships. Virtual chat rooms can be
accessed for people looking to escape their loneliness and depression, and talk
to people who suffer from the same issues. Online chat rooms and bulletins
allow people across the world to connect, establishing a constant support network.
The anonymity allows individuals to feel more at ease discussing their personal
struggles and inquiries, without the social anxiety of having to discuss these
issues with someone face to face. A
study was done experimenting the use of chatrooms with cancer patients, results
included that fellow patients shared personal experiences and advice, building
a type of cyber community providing patient-to-patient support for cancer
victims.
Even individuals who are
generally healthy and do not suffer from social exclusion utilise the benefit
of forming online relationships to talk about embarassing topics or ask
difficult questions. Often these questions fall into the topics of sexuality
and health, relating to matters regarding sexuality and interpersonal
relations. These forums allow individuals to receive advice and personal
opinions without feeling like they have exposed too much of themselves. This
type of support is crucial for individuals who do not hold the confidence to
discuss personal matters in face to face
situations, or discuss these matters without the fear of being judged because
of it. Due to the fact that the Internet “never sleeps”, at any time of the day
at any point during the week, you are able to be instantly connected with
someone. This varies from offline communication in the sense that not everyone
you choose to go to for support may be available to you in such a convenient
manner. Instantaneously, you can be connected on a global scale, to a variety
of health care professionals and individuals alike to reach out to and seek
comfort.
Although many websites and
journal articles lead to discrediting the formation of online relationships,
they may often be beneficial for those who cannot find comfort in other
avenues. Online chatrooms and other communication platforms allow many individuals who suffer from a variety of different problems with a sort of safe haven.
Citations:
Subrahmanyam, K., Greenfield, P., Tynes, B.
“Constructing Sexuality and Identity in an Online Chatroom”, Journal of Applied
Developmental Pshychology 25, no. 6 (2004) : 651-66.
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