Online friends vs. "IRL" ones

[jamuko]

I just got done arguing/debating with a friend on this, and we couldn't come to a mutual agreement, so I'm taking it here to see what you guys think.

For the sake of this thread I am going to use the acronym "IRL" as an adjective for in-person friends, just because it doesn't feel right to call them "real" friends (implies the others aren't real).

As communication over the Internet has become increasingly common over the years, practically everyone has had conversations with strangers online. With time, conversations make acquaintances, and with more time, acquaintances become friends.

With even more time, and the right match of people, I believe that online friends can potentially become very close, to a point of equal respect and love as those one is close with in person. I personally have a rare few friends I have known for 6+ years online, through various communicae; essentially growing up through teenager-hood together. We relate really well, and can talk about anything and everything to each other. A level of trust I share with my closest friends IRL. They mean a lot to me.

This friend I was arguing with, however (an IRL friend for the record), asserts that this is impossible. The Internet can in no way replace an in-person experience. He doesn't think it's right to treat any online friend with the same amount of respect you would treat an IRL friend.

I know that there are perspectives on a person that you cannot get online, but I certainly don't think that losing those completely nullifies any valuable friendship. With the loss of physical presence, you do get other benefits (such as in my case and I'm sure in many others', I can express my thoughts much more easily and clearly in text than in spoken word).

It's starting to sadden me now that I'm realizing how many of my friends don't understand my position on this issue.

So.

Do you think it is possible and acceptable to have a meaningful relationship with a friend solely online, to the point where you treat this friend with the same amount of respect and attention as you would an IRL one?