Are Internet relationships a problem vs. RL?

I am referring to the kind of support relationships we form here.
For some of us, this is the only real interaction we have, other than maybe a husband, T, pdoc... Some of us REALLY rely on these relationships for strength and support.

But do they stop us from recognizing that we need real people in our life too? Or can these online relationships really be enough for us?

I don't have the answer...but I know my PC relationships mean the world to me, even if I have no idea what the people look like, nor have spoken to them.

I do greatly cherish my relationships here. However, I think we all should try to foster relationships IRL, too. It is easier, though, to have these Internet relationships, since we don't have to make an effort to get out, be assertive, etc. I think a place such as this one can help people to feel more comfortable interacting with folks, so it could give practice in relating IRL. But it can lead people to avoid these relationships, since some social needs are met here.

RL relationships are important, but I think the internet allows us the ability to surround ourselves with people we need in a given situation. I live in a pretty rural area. My doctor actually recommended PC to me because he knew I would not travel to find a support group.

I'm getting into too much of a comfort-zone with my online relationships, and every now and again realize how detrimental it can be to my RL relationships - well, the non-existent ones...

My online relationships don"t impact my RL ones at all, I guess it's all about balance, which isn't always easy to find.

My internet relationships are very different to my RL ones.

I don't talk about some things (therapy, my childhood) IRL and it helps to be able to talk about them on here.

I think both are fine. And I think whatever works for a person is what works for a person. Right now I'm getting more out of online forums, groups and listservs because I'm overwhelmed and don't have the energy to be a million places at once, which is where I'd need to be to get that kind of support IRL. But sometimes I need to be in close contact with someone, to see them across from me, to hug, to talk, to share. Can't have that over the internet. The emotional connection is still there though.

I think it depends on the needs of
the individuals. Some of us need face to
face contact, others might just want some
to chat via typing/txt.

I can say this. Ive been here on and off along time. I have met some ppl from here irl.
you need both imho

It depends, for me. I prefer RL relationships to PC relationship, not that I haven't developed comraderie with PC aquaintances, through the years. BUT...and there's a big BUT, here.
'Judging' tones and word expressions, that PC people use, I don't know, maybe it comes out less harsh, in RL with body language and facial expressions...that behind an e-mail/board post/chat room...either doesn't translate as 'lighter' that it was meant to be, or left wondering if it's more condescending in tone. I don't know.
I go through spells, of just wanting to pull the plug on PC life, altogether...and, um...right now, is another one of those moments.
I read differently on PC world, than I do in Reality.
I'm softer, in person and 'harder' on-line.

ANd I am a really sensitive person, behind the screen, and more apt to deflect things inRL.

so...I just don't know how to answer this....

I think both are important - but think that interacting on sites like this are healthy for me. I'm an introvert and I don't want a ton of friends, etc. I prefer a smaller number of of quality, IRL relationships.