Suicide.

[DossarLX ODI]

Originally Posted by Reincarnate

Here's the thing -- humans are social creatures. We've evolved that way -- we feel happier and are generally more successful at any metric we choose when we're with others. Especially if you read Gladwell's book Outliers, it's all the more apparent that nobody ever makes it alone.

I definitely can see what you're saying, but at the same time that goes into the concept of success. Many things I find as successes are completely useless to others IRL and things others find as something to be prideful about I don't care. For example, I don't care about being a rich person but I'm not slacking off, yet I've seen many people obsessed about possessing much wealth and wanting to be like famous celebrities. When I'm with others, I am restricted on what I can do or say so I wind up just feeling even less safe. That's the wonderful thing about the internet - you can ask a question or make a statement anonymously or without immediate threat (interrupting in the middle of talking, fear of the person attacking you physically, etc).

Of course, there's a difference between living an introverted/solitary lifestyle and being alone. You can live a solitary lifestyle and still have people to talk to when you wish -- people who can help you. When you're suffering alone, you have no one else to help you but yourself. You may even have friends you can talk to, but none of them may be close enough to really empathize with you. This can be a problem if a mind is so lost and confused that it justifies/talks itself into an irrational framework that ultimately results in suicide.

This is an interesting point you bring up - I have a loner mindset and that's what has made me "successful" in life. That is, actually appreciating my life and what I have rather than being depressed and having to worry about what others think of me (this goes back to your "social beings" point - I also have to consider what others think of me). I guess it has to do with me having trouble showing affection yet at the same time being able to be respectful of others' opinions. I've been able to help myself so I don't have a need for acquiantances except for anyone that's like "HURRRR you have no friends you have no life loser", but I really couldn't care less.

I don't think there's anything unhealthy about having friends online, but you also have to keep in mind that online communities are temporary. People come and go -- and eventually leave for good. I've been a member of plenty of online communities, but the people I encounter are only a part of my communicable life for a few years. It's hard to make "good friends" in such a small time. Are you okay with the notion of temporary friendships?

Oh yes, definitely - I mean, it's only been 2 years since I started using AIM. All the guys I talk to on AIM are "good friends", and DragonsFury is the best online community I've seen in terms of tolerance and respect. Even if they're temporary, it's better than a long distrustful relationship like I have with my parents. I don't feel safe at all talking to my parents or brothers, yet I am comfortable with talking about things online in private - even then there are things I don't mention.