Internet friendships

One topic that I was recently talking to some friends about concerned online friendships. Some people had stories about onilne friends they had made over the years. These could be fellow web designers, like minded musicians, random game friendships...just random people you have ran into on the web and forged a friendship with.

Meeting people on the internet can be a challenge. . . . I find it easier in some ways, namely, that there can be as little element of prejudice as possible. Using the Internet, is it possible that we can remove all pre-judgment of perception?

Would removing all prejudice (both conscious and unconscious) even be a good context for meeting people? Or do judging people immediately (irl) protect us from the creepy old men.



Anyway, it is always interesting to discuss online friendships.

What can be gained from meeting people through online forums, games, chats, etc.?