The Internet’s massive reach keeps everyone connected. And virtual relationships have seen a turn for the better, as many youngsters form stronger bonds online today, than ever before. But these are not cupid inspired, but more BFF spurred. They go beyond the bounds of keeping up with friends and family. These new bonds are formed, and perspectives are widened on social media and online friendships flourish and careers grow.
Akansha Grover, a content test associate, states that there have been instances when she connected with someone she didn’t particularly know or meet in her everyday life through mutual friends. “I was going through a miserable situation in my life when I connected with a friend of a friend in the US over Facebook who was going through a similar situation. Over the past three years, we’ve been good Facebook buddies!” she says.
On the professional end, youngsters like Shivaraj Natraj, an up and coming Bengaluru musician, have seen their careers shaping up well thanks to the online connect. He has collaborated with several musicians through the social sphere. “My reach as a musician has widened since I began uploading videos of my performance. The friend requests and interactions with fellow musicians online happened like a chain reaction. Recently, I was invited to perform at an event in Italy because of a mutual friend that I met online,” he says. For Prachi Gang, a finance graduate, social media gives her the access to varied perspectives which is exciting for her as a writer. “My interactions and experiences with people online have helped my writing. It’s really amazing how much you learn about people and their thought processes and cultures”, she opines.
Developing trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship. Prachi explains that the stakes ride high on the kind of people you meet virtually. Akansha says, “The information I was sharing could have been misused by my online friend but I began getting the right piece of advice to get through my situation. The ambiguity of the situation decreased because we knew that we had a mutual friend.”
Apart from romantic pursuits, social media platforms have youngsters crossing each other’s paths for many reasons beloved to them. Being broad minded and receptive to diverse sets of people, and opinions, is keeping the embers of these relationships alive.
