Easier doesn't always mean better

We can say that the Internet changed the game of relationships, and while that's true, it's not entirely true. I totally agree that the Internet is a good way of making friends, of meeting people that share your interests and like the things you like. I even agree that the Internet might even allow falling in love, although it cannot really replace the real contact, the real human touch - especially for love affairs, but also for friendships. While on the internet it is rather easy for the shy to become outgoing, interacting across the Internet always involves a degree of image-making and self-delusion. Meeting in person, for real, is therefore risky, and not everyone is so daring. And it's a dangerous approach to interaction: the company it provides is quite a lonesome company. You might be able to talk with people that are half the world away, you might be really fond of them, and you might enjoy spending a couple of hours in front of the computer chatting with them. It is good, it feels awesome. But during those hours, you're utterly alone. You look around - with your real eyes - and all you see is bare walls containing the emptiness that surrounds you. I've made extraordinary friends over the Internet, I'm really fond of them, and I do love chatting with them. But with a handful of exceptions, I've met them in person, and I'd happily exchange two hours of online conversation with them for ten minutes talking over a coffee table any day.