Networking Tools: Virtual Friendships and Real-Life Gatherings

Through social networks, online groups, apps, and other tech-based sites, people often have the chance to make what are called virtual friendships. But what if you want your internet friends to become real-life friends too? How do you really change things? Sometimes it’s really hard for people who have autism, trouble with social skills, or other developmental issues. Meeting new people and getting the most of face-to-face networking opportunities can be hard, but they can also be very rewarding. Friendships, relationships, and other social exchanges are important for living an independent life. No matter what skills or limits someone has, they can connect by learning to be independent, getting along with others, and finding things they have in common.

Online Networking

One way to make friends is to talk to someone in a group via an online networking site who you think might be a real-life friend. How do you get in touch with them to see if they have the same connection? Instead of using the tool you’re currently using to talk to them, try using a different one. If you are in a group chat, message board, or group, ask them if you can call or text them about anything that interests both of you. You might be able to talk about things you wouldn’t want to bring up in front of the group if you start a personal chat through private messages. You may be surprised at how many things you share.

Participating in real-life gatherings and events can also be beneficial. There is no rule that says you have to interact with everyone or be an experienced social butterfly, but meeting people in person can be helpful in many ways. You can practice the social skills that you have learned online and open yourself up to new people, conversations, and opportunities. Trips to the zoo, aquarium, pizza parties, baseball games, and more might be just what you need to get more confident and comfortable talking with others.

Attend Real-Life Gatherings

If you have autism and want to improve your social skills, you might need to wait before making new friends in person. These tips are good for people who meet people through a sketchy website. A lot of people today are catfishing, both for friendships and more intimate relationships. The people being catfished have not been checked out in any way to make sure they are who they say they are. Spend a lot of days, weeks, or even months sending each other jokes, texts, and chats before you even think about meeting in person. You should never agree to meet someone unless you are completely okay with it. Look at the person’s social media accounts to make sure they are who they say they are.

One way to strengthen your online friendship without putting anyone in danger is to talk through FaceTime, Skype, or another type of video chat. This could help you get to know the person better, put a face to an internet name, and see them in a new light. Virtual meetings and video chat are great ways to build trust in friendships when you can’t be with each other in person. There are lots of people who still think of their internet friends as real friends, even if they never meet in person. This could be because of how far away they are or something else that will keep you from ever meeting them in person.

Join AFN for Free Today!

All Friends Network is an online social networking site made just for people with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges. The safe space lets you talk about living on your own, make new friends, work on social skills and autism-related problems, and even take advantage of the chances to meet up in person. Members of the All Friends Network can only get to our events, the Live-LINK app, and other content.

If you want to know more about our events, tools, and other support services, you can call our staff at 941-587-7172 or visit our website. You can ask us anything you want to know about our network and the services we provide to members. Call right now and do what you need to do to find a safe place where members can work on their friendships with others who share their fears, thoughts, and goals for learning how to make and keep friends.