With online time taking up a significant chunk of time in many people's lives, online friendships have become part of life. While the social benefits of online friendships are obvious, making friends online can also help boost your career and your professional life, says Julia Angwin in the "The Wall Street Journal." Making friends on the web is a little different from making friends in real life, but with practice, you can become as comfortable making virtual friends as you are making real ones.
Step 1
Start a blog, and make a point to leave comments on other people's blogs that interest you. Over time, you'll find yourself developing a connection with other bloggers that can turn into friendship.
Step 2
Accept social networking invitations, even if you don't know the person well, recommends Stanford professor Mark Granovetter in the "The Wall Street Journal." You may find people in your contact's extended network who share your interests.
Step 3
Join an online group, such as an online book club or weight loss support group. Because you have a shared interest, you'll have plenty to talk about, which makes it easier to make friends.
Step 4
Visit the forums of sites you frequent to participate in conversation. After a few weeks or months, you'll be a "regular," and you'll develop a few friendships.
Step 5
Stay active on social networking groups. Update your information, and comment on other people's updates to build a relationship.
Tips and Warnings
- Just as in real life, some of your potential online friends may blow off your friendly advances or simply disappear after a promising initial contact. Don't take it personally. Just keep reaching out, and you'll build a network of online friends.
- Be cautious about giving out identifying personal information, such as your full name and address, or financial details to someone you only know online.
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