Yes, it is easier to 'ditch' the people you want to when the connection is 'virtual'. But that doesn't mean that good, healthy solid friendships can not be formed online. Like Diva, i've met a couple of my 'virtual friends' in person and was not disappointed. Two years ago finally met our mutual friend from PA who sends the lovely Lawson holiday/birthday e-cards. He is one of the most intelligent, clear thonking and compassionate people i've ever known. i hope to meet Diva and a couple of other friends from the Eons days sometime in next few years.
i would like to remind people that not all relationships are formed and maintained in the 'in person' world and for some of us in person frequently is 'too much'. Also some people connect deeply no matter how, where, when or how briefly they may be in contact in person. You may lose touch when your life paths diverge, but now thanks to internet you can often find those people. There have been a few such people that we picked up our friendships again after one of us found the other.
There was a time when people sought out complete strangers in other countries or military people to be 'pen pals', learning about each other's lives and coming to care what happened to the other.
i carried on a correspondence for years with people i met an NCCJ Camp and only knew for one week before the contact became long distance. When my handful of 'in person' High School friends scattered after graduation--some to college, or work-study abroad programs or like me working for a living, and some activism--we maintained our friendships long distance for years via copious correspondence, only being face to face once a year at most. One could argue 'well you met them in person once at least before going 'virtual' (Aren't letters and cards just low-tech 'virtual'????)
And often without the constraints of being at 'social gatherings' together but having private in depth tho spread out over time conversations brought some of us closer emotionally. i know at least two couples who met on Eons and finally got together and have been married for years now. i suspect a part of the success of their relationships have to do with the fact they were not focusing on finding romance, but found friendship that expanded into romantic love. Due to the conversations they'd been in not just privately but seeing how each responded to other people, gave them a much truer idea of who the 'other' person was then either in person dating or online seeking of romance provides, because people subconsciously edit themselves when 'seeking' a partner no matter what venue they're using.
My Dad was a HAM operator for decades, had a shoebox full of QSL cards (they send these to each other as confirmation of contact. Sometime in the 80's China briefly allowed HAM radio transmission/reception again. Dad had some discussions with an operator there, who took advantage of the loosened travel restrictions to attend a HAM convention in Texas (Dallas i think). Dad also attended because he'd been so successful recruiting new operators in his home area they asked him to give a talk on how to do it. So they got to meet in person for couple of days, and had Tiananmen Square and a reclosing up China not occurred i've no doubt they'd have been in touch over the years. Dad was very stressed over what his friend might face after returning home.
Even before the Pandemic, in our age bracket, the losses start to build. i have mourned people who's hands i never got to shake, but were supportive, kind and fun.
To each their own, but just because you need to press flesh to bond with others doesn't mean everyone does.
