Beyond The Screen - Meeting Virtual Friends

I was already active in the online world around 2006 due to the emergence of online MMORPGs. From there, I met a lot of online friends. Some stayed, some forgotten.

The relationships I formed online became more sincere as I got older. I've maintained contact with several online companions for over ten years. And naturally, some of them I've already met in person. On the other hand, the folks I met online and then in real life were those I had shared fond moments with.

I used to enjoy playing Clash of Clans back in 2012. I made my first genuine online buddies on this platform. While some are foreigners, others are natives of the Philippines. I managed to meet a few of them. They were the same individuals in real life as they are online. I still talk to some of them today and we reminisce about the days when they didn't have kids yet hahaha.

I started playing Minecraft in 2018. For three years, I played it religiously. It was both fun and stressful but I enjoyed this game wholeheartedly because of my playmates. I'm proud of them in-game or IRL. Meeting them in person was chaotic in a good way haha.

Though online, we shared the excitement of going on adventures. We learned about each other while facing challenges and problems in games. Coming together win or lose. We just knew whether we'd be there for each other in-game or not.

Meeting my online friends gave me the same nostalgic feeling of running into an old buddy. It’s a warm feeling. Even though it was your first time meeting in person, it seemed like you had known one another for a long time. No awkwardness. Straight to the Chika haha. However, I’m not sure if other people experience this too. I for one am a very open and expressive person maybe that’s why I was able to form this kind of bond. I also of course don't bother with people who don't emit the same energy as me.

I could say that I would meet my online friends only if I felt a deep connection with them. I mean, why bother going out of your way to meet people who aren't really your friends? Don't meet them if you have to maintain a persona, you don't know much about them, or you're not at ease around them in general.

I made the decision to attend the forthcoming event that HivePh arranged because I know a few of the attendees well. However, It is certain that there will be people in a large gathering with whom we will not get along and with who we will disagree. Opposing opinions are fine as long as you don't impose them. As much as possible, I don't want to interact with folks of this kind.

But I'm still looking forward to seeing my friends from HivePh. I can already imagine the kulit moments we'll be sharing and the mistakes we'll be making haha.

For those considering meeting their online friends for the first time?

As I said, if you're uncomfortable, have to fake it, feel that you'll be in danger, or you were just forced into it -- DON'T.

It won’t be a pleasant experience. If you really want to meet them but have doubts, you can always bring another friend with you as long as you inform the other party.

See you soon?

This is my entry for HivePH April Blogging Contest.

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