Question 1

1). Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

I have had, still have, and made relationships via cyber space. It almost seems like now, everything could be cyber space especially text messaging but for the sake of this argument I'll talk about online, email, or instant messengers. These friendships seem more accessible, meaning that you can talk to someone a lot more instantly than waiting to see them in person. By communicating via cyberspace, it is done more than if someone were to pick up the phone and talk.

For me personally, I really don't like having friendships that don't include some face to face time or even conversations on the phone because it seems more impersonal. I feel that by communicating via email, instant messenger, or online gives people an opportunity to be more scripted. For example, I find myself writing an email or instant message to someone but then delete what I wrote because I felt that I could word it differently, or I shouldn't say that. Too much can get lost in translation where as face to face friendships and conversations, context, tone, and pace of what you talk about can be better understood.

To me it is somewhat frustrating because I'd rather talk to people face to face or even on the phone because it does not give anyone the chance to hide behind a screen. Anyone can be anybody when they are communicating online but it is not until you see someones body language, demeanor, and actions that you can really get the chance to know someone. Communicating online is very convenient but at the same time, not as effective as communicating with someone face to face.