Internet Love?

Internet love...

People can't stop talking about it; it's everywhere I turn nowadays on the message boards and forums of the net. With the summer time coming up around the corner, it's only natural that webtechs and net geeks alike to start thinking about life off the internet and attempt to make a connection with a REAL PERSON. I know, I know, that last comment shocked a lot of you; but don't worry, the pain of actually communicating to someone WITHOUT typing will subside shortly.

Most people will tell you of the horror stories they've read about where people have met over the Internet and how they were raped or brutally murdered while going to see someone that they thought was a "friend". In my opinion, these people were idiots to begin with. If you're going to go meet someone in a faraway place, why would you even think about going alone? Common sense here people... (Yes, I realize that's something which has been lacking in society lately.)

I've had the pleasure of meeting over 20 people from the net. Not only are these people some of the coolest that I know, but they're also some of the most genuine people that I've had the pleasure of spending quality time with. I enjoy their friendship immensely and I don't know where I'd be right now without it. I believe it all depends on the situation in which you meet these people in the first place and how well you get to know them ahead of time (prior to meeting).

On a quick note: Remember that common sense stuff I mentioned before? It should apply in all situations of this nature. If you don't know someone WELL, DON'T meet them ALONE. ALWAYS meet in a public place. You would think a concept like that would be obvious to anyone engaging in this practice, but like the guy who stuck his hand under the lawnmower to see if the blade was working right and lost several fingers, some people just don't think before they act.

One of the most vital parts of this equation is, obviously, whether or not the person you've been speaking to is REAL. And by that, I don't mean how they feel about the fact that the Americans suck at hockey after losing to...whoever beat them...when they're really thinking something else; NO! I'm talking about physical reality here. Are they really the person who's picture you saw on that screen? You need to find out. But how? Glad you asked, there are several methods:

1) The sign picture This is the most basic way. The person in question makes you a picture where they write their username on a piece of paper and they send it to you electronically via email (or link to a graphic) to prove who they are.

2) The advanced sign picture This is the same as above, except you request certain things for the person to do in the picture. Holding a tire iron and a beachball, balancing a tennis racket on their chin, whatever. Just something that no one would already have a picture of that can prove that they are who they say they are :D

3) Video Same thing, just on a video stream on the net.

4) Videos and pictures in the mail Not recommended since you'd be giving your address out. But if you have a P.O. Box, I don't see why not :)

5) Netmeeting This is where people with webcams have an advantage over the rest of us dwelling in the 20th century... You get on cam with someone and do whatever you want to prove that the person is real.

For some reason, people get flustered about this stuff. Their logic confuses me. Probably because they immediately think, "WHAT?!?! You think that I'm FAKE?!?!". When in reality, they should be flattered that the person they're talking to likes their conversation and virtual company so much that they'd like to know if it's for real.

The heart of the matter comes down to whether or not you believe that love over the net is possible. I'm a firm believer that this is the wave of the future. I foresee a future where the taboo of telling your parents that you're meeting a person from the Internet will be abolished. I see a future where it will become common practice for people with similar interests will get off their lazy asses and get together in groups that will do great things within their field of interest. Do I see myself marrying a woman that I've met from the Internet? Yes. For me, its a very real possibility. In fact, I think I have a better chance at meeting a woman who actually shares similar interests, a similar style, and someone that actually understands my unique sense of humor ^_^ . I pray that day will come soon...

So what have we learned here today kiddies? 1) Don't be an idiot and use COMMON SENSE. 2) Never meet people alone. Public places are a must. 3) I like wait.. LOVE Michaelia. 4) Most of the time (barring fakers), the people on the other end of that instant message are just like you. They laugh, love, hope, cry, hurt, fear, try, and feel; just like you do. So we're really not that different after all