Howdy.

I've met and frequently talked to many people online (only) over the years. Many have come and gone, but some have stayed for a very long time; many years.

Do you think this may actually indicate a lack of closeness between yourself and your local friends? Perhaps you struggle to communicate with them in person. Of course, it could also be that the Internet is just more convenient and so it's easier to stay in touch more frequently.

This makes me think that it's possible you feel unable to be open with your local friends, regarding your MH, so instead seek that sort of comfort with people here, as I'm sure many of us do. I've recently learned that bipolar disorder (which I see from your profile that you have) is often taboo, whereas people here are probably more likely to accept and/or understand it.

Perhaps you fear judgement or being misunderstood because of your MH, so you keep yourself at a distance, but don't feel the need with those you've gotten to know from PC. Does that sound plausible?

If this is the case, it might be advantageous to try to learn to open up more about your problems to those local to you as well. They may surprise you and actually be supportive. If, however, they aren't, that will suck, but could indicate that they aren't a good fit for you.

I think there's good and bad to it. I think it's safe to say that the Internet has allowed people of varying cultures to come together, sharing a wide variety of beliefs; I think it's fantastic like that. Unfortunately, as communication can be so easy online (for perhaps the majority, at least) and so "throw away" (a simple block, rather than a possible "in-person" confrontation) it makes it so convenient that it's arguably preferable, which results or could result in "regular" social interaction being left out. I think I've probably experienced this myself ad nauseam.