Internet friends

Internet Friends Name Institution Course Code and Title Instructor Date Introduction With digital evolution, friendships, especially those made on the internet, have naturally grown and taken a new perspective. It is impressive that strangers meet online and form relationships that propel and motivate their online activity. Internet friendships are the connections and relationships built through the virtual world. Most definitely, internet friends share common values, goals, and interests, which attract them to each other. For instance, people selling a similar product or content on the internet have common interests and goals, which propels them to connect and interact as friends. The concept of internet friendships raises a critical question of whether these relationships are real and authentic. In their article, ‘Unreal Friends,’ Cocking and Matthew argue that it is impossible to have close internet friendships. On the other hand, in his article ‘Real Friends: How the Internet Can Foster Friendships,’ Briggle shows a positive approach towards internet friendships. The essay will compare the views of Cocking and Matthew against those of Briggle. In addition, it will consider, assess, and evaluate both points of view and conclude whether internet friendships are real or unreal. Opposition to Online Friendships (Cocking and Matthew) Cocking and Matthew agree that in the current age and time, it has become normal for people to have close relationships through the internet. Not only do people form friendships over the internet, but also romantic love relationships (Cocking & Matthews, 2000). However, this impressive duo questions whether it is really possible to form authentic connections over the internet. They justify their point of view by explaining the markers that help to identify and classify a relationship as close and authentic. One of these is having a strong affection for each other and a desire to see the best in one another and share common life experiences (Cocking & Matthews, 2000). Cocking and Matthew admit that, to some extent, it is possible for people to express themselves in their relationships over the internet. However, they assert that the expression is limited over the internet (Cocking & Matthews, 2000). For example, people in these relationships cannot embrace each other physically or spend some time off on a picnic. Their main argument is that internet relationships lack genuineness and depth that is built through physical connections such as physical touch. According to Cocking and Matthew (2000), it is essential for people to have body language to build real and authentic friendships and intimacy. In addition, most people can easily detect and see false media, which makes it difficult for any deep and authentic relationship to form (Cocking & Matthews, 2000). Further, people are now aware that the anonymity that exists on the internet allows people to form fake characters and lie, which acts as a barrier to real online friendships. Briggle’s Counterargument Briggle critiques Cocking and Matthews’ argument and stands against their point of view that online friendships and relationships can never be real and authentic. In his article, Briggle argues that internet friends...