People think true friendship no longer exists in this technologically advanced era. They are right but to some extent. I believe that friendship still exists. However, what it lacks is trust. The lack of “trust” results in depression, jealousy, anxiety, and bitterness.
The Element of Trust in Online Chatting
Having a true friend in this online era is a blessing. We come across lots of people through online chatting and become friends with them in just minutes. It now seems easier to make friends through social media than in person. However, we have to bear in mind whether we can trust that person who we cannot see.
A person’s display picture, or DP, has a great impact on online chatting. Take an example of a person who has an eye-catching WhatsApp DP, and they text you for help. It’s likely that you will answer and may want to be friends with them. However, if a person without a Whatsapp DP asks for help, you may end up ignoring the text. Here comes the trust part as well. The one with the DP is easily recognizable, but the person without the DP isn’t.
Beware of fake DP’s though. If the person’s picture passes any test of yours but you start to get suspicions while chatting with them, take no time to escape! Keeping in mind the sheer magnitude of online chatting scams, never share any sensitive information until you’re sure rationally of your online ‘friend’.
Is Online Friendship More Real?
Maybe when you feel disturbed or lonely, your online friend is the only support you find. If you get a reply from them in just a second, you may believe they are the only real friend you have. Your school friend would have also thought the same for you, but by chance since you’re online friend messaged you first, you wonder if you have any other true friends.
That train of thought is dangerous. Just because your online friend has shown you empathy doesn’t make them your best or only friend. This doesn’t mean that your school or college friends with who you weren’t in touch with didn’t value your company. If you discuss your problems with them, then definitely you’ll have their sympathies too!
Where Things Go Wrong
Expectations from others often bring an end to a friendship. In online chatting, expectations are always high. If you message your online friend and don’t get a quick reply even after remaining online for hours, you’re definitely going to get angry. However, if they don’t say sorry, sometimes you want to end your friendship, or maybe you don’t want to lose your friend and forget your anger without any apology.
The same can happen when another person enters into your online chatting life. Their greater level of responsiveness may compel you to abandon your old online friends.
Thus, it’s important to pursue online chatting with a rational mind.
In short, the best approach to online friendship is to meet that person before passing any judgment or before ending that friendship. If you think it’s not good to meet him or her and have no positive expectations from them, then be brave in not replying to their messages and ending the connection. However, if the online friend is sincere and has a real identity, they’ll reach out to you whenever they can. Don’t expect that this will happen immediately, so give each other space even virtually. It’s important for a healthy friendship.
