I think many people are not prepared to be in a place where they find out what
other people are really thinking. Many people go through life believing that most
people are thinking the same thoughts they are, and believe the same things they
do, and have the same mores they do.
This is, in part at least, I think because in "real life" people tend to gather with the people who share their values and backgrounds. When you have a choice who to associate with, and have to make some effort do so (buy a house in the same neighborhood, invite them to parties or go to their parties, go golfing or fishing together, work in the same place at related jobs, join the same book discussion group, play poker or bridge together, or whatever forms of physical interaction one chooses) I think people tend to associate with generally like minded people because it is more comfortable and less stressful. Even when we choose to engage physically with very unlike minded people, it is usually for limited periods and we retreat to the sanctuary of the familiar.
The internet, by contrast, with little effort brings us into interrelationships with people whose lifestyles we have no ability to judge other than by what they say about themselves, and who may think vastly differently than we do.
It can be stimulating, but can also be very challenging. |
