A lot of times I hear people say, "meet in real life"…I really don't understand that expression. Is your computer not in this tangible world? Is the person you are talking to not in this tangible world? The only intangible object involved is the data going back and forth.

Personally, I think when we talk to someone online, we are talking to them "in real life", we just aren't talking to them "in person".

Opinions, anyone?

agreed 110%

It's not the same thing.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by that, Tocci?

When your on the computer, you can be whoever you want to be because no one can see you, in real life it's kinda hard to pretend to be someone your not , I guess thats what they mean

people tend to hide behind facades for online than in real life... such as, someone can be "6 ft tall" online, but then when you see them in person, they're only 5'5.

talking to someone online is totally different than talking to them on the interent, unless you have already met that person. People protray themselves as anyone they want to. You think that they are one way and can be totally different when you meet them. I for one am for talking online and on the phone but that all changes when you meet them.

I thought I told you I was only 5 ft 7...honest I did

Good point. However, the PERSON still exists on the physical plane. So, I'd still consider myself talking to that person "in real life", just not "in person". I'm not in any sort of astral plane. I'm still sitting here completely tangible. I exist.

Yes, yes... I know, I've had the same thought myself in the past... I just didn't let it get under my skin... seems too insignificant an issue for me, even though it's a little annoying sometimes. Interaction face to face... seeing body language, hearing someone physically form words and watching them speak... touching someone's shoulder when they say something funny... these things are real and in your face and cannot be denied as healthy, human interaction. Online, you're interacting first with a machine, which translates your words to a human. That's the difference.

That's why I'm saying the phrase "in person" should be used instead of "in real life"…They ARE two different things. And that healthy human interaction can only be done in person.

Semantics... why let it bother you... not everyone is able to choose the perfect words to express a thought...

It doesn't bother me that much, I just thought it'd be an interesting topic to get some discussion going.

I see it as a form of shorthand -- most people here would get the difference between "real life" and knowing someone strictly on line, without any elaboration. It's just semantics.

My experience has been (predominantly, not totally) that most people I meet on line and then meet in person, are radically different in person -- so much so, that's it's difficult for me to apply a term like "real" until I actually do meet them in person. And even then, there's no guarantee. The "real" person is generally not the person I thought I knew. It's been more a result of bad choices on my part, but that sort of thing leaves its mark.

As for the issue of their existence -- well, sure, they exist, somewhere. But their impact on my own "real life" is extremely limited until/unless there's in-person interaction.

Good man, Lex. Can always count on you to come with a good opinion. Any other takers?