As some of you know I'm hearing impaired. I got hearing aids a year ago but I've realized that the internet has had an impact in how I deal with friends in real life.

For me, because having conversations was always really important to me I found myself gravitating towards online forums, especially ones like UM where people for the most part are very bright and well read.

Today I found an essay I had written for a class in 2005 and it surprised me how much I relied on quotes from others rather than paraphrasing to bolster my arguments.

I see that debating online has really helped me to hone in my skills. Although I don't always present them well on here! LOL.

And I've made valuable friendships that are some of the closest friendships I've ever had in my life.

Negative side though is that my house is generally messy now, because before where I would talk on the phone and clean, now I'm chained to the computer?

What say you?

I have even less free time.

I find its easier to belittle people when I dont have to actually face them.

Thats about it.

Learned more about the world... Good and bad. Curious about this forum... I can go from reading about the newest movies, to world politics to ufo's all in 3 clicks.

This is really the only forum i come to, and i,ve met some interesting people, learned more about places i,ll never get to see, learned a lot about topics i,ve wondered about! And since i,m pretty much house bound, i don,t have much of a social life, and i have made a couple of really great friends that being in touch with have brought a lot of joy to my life! And they have become such a possitive support for me! There,s been more fun and laughter in my life in the last 9 months than in the last 14 years, so i feel very blessed that my hubby insisted in may of 07 that i quit being affraid, and learn enough about the computer to actually touch one! LOL! So far it,s been a big wonderful change that i,m glad i found!

My knowledge has increased on certain subjects. Spoken with some wonderful wonderful people. And changed my religion by reading numerous articles on IslamWay Sisters forum.

it now becomes a part of my life.

I can talk to people about stuff that nobody else wants to talk with me about...videogames, comicbooks, Um type stuff.

I see what you mean!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes I find those that have an argument of throw opinions back at each other, tend to just say the same things over.
I say what I feel, share the little that I do know and have soooooooooooo many questions.
I dont always rely on whats in ones brain or how smart they are, when I read post's I want to see 'them' not just all these expected words but when I post It's me not my ego,(most of the time) or expectaions, or what I want ppl to hear.
Respectively IMHO every post makes a difference to knowledge itself.

Oh and True? You present yourself just fine I say. Your original and I love ya post's.
Ive got some AWESOME friends on here, they really do make my day. *hugs*

Messy? OMG....... I here ya. lol
Ive learnt so much online, Ive come to learn that The internet is like a really good holiday. They say to see the world and experiance it is to broaden ones mind and hopes. Being on line, Ive met heaps of ppl, seen much of other countries and learnt about whats happening in the world.
I like live in the middle of nowhere.......... can ya blame me?
I could say so much more, but then I'd have to put the kettle on.

*hugs true*

This is the only forum that I belong to that has alot of members from other countries. But everyone here is very nice and friendly and unique. Yes. I would say " unique " describes many people here. That's what I like the most about this place. But I also belong to several dirt track racing forums. And I also do the myspace thing. Which has been great for locating old friends that I haven't seen since I was young.

But it is hard sometimes staying off the forums and chatting with people. It's very easy for the daily chores to pile up.

It did not change it much, except that spending my "free" time at work looking out of the window now I am chatting. Which reminds me... I have to take a look out of the window to see what changed...

This is the only forum I belong to, and it took me some time to join....It's funny how one can judge people by what they post....I have made many friends being here, exceptional people, who I have become close to....It's my break from hectic schedules....Whatever time I run back in my house the first thing I do is check UM...Sometimes I forget to get off, look at the clock, oops hubby will be in soon, and start looking like I've been busy all day...Like you True, I have a hearing problem, and it's so nice to be able to answer posts here, as compared to talking to people on the outside and saying," excuse me, could you repeat that."...You just learn so much being here, I love it....

UM is the main place I hang out while online. I've met some awesome people, but sadly they don't come/can't access the site anymore. Since I've been involved with the interent and forums, I've noticed that my communication skills have improved...both oral and written. In RL, I tend to be introverted, but since expressing opinions/views on the net/forums....I find it easier to communicate in RL.

I've lost count of the number of forums I'm a member of (including 3 I run myself) - this one is the latest to be added to that long list... I love the internet...not only have I been able to find people to talk to that are into the same things I am (sci-fi/fantasy, video games, favourite actors...and the paranormal of course), but I'm also mixing with people from all over the place