By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
Christmas break may be near for students, but classes are still going on. Whether we are in a blended learning, online learning, or distance learning, we will learn at least one thing despite how hard it is to adapt to a learning style we have never experienced before.
Last week, during our philosophy class, one question from our teacher caught my attention– “Can you build intersubjective relationships virtually?”. It was a question that made my head rattle after minutes of answering boring modules. The question would not interest me if I had not been in a situation such as now. Almost all Students are plunged in the virtual world unlike before. And I’m sure this question would interest more students now that they are learning in a virtual platform everyday or every week.
Even for adults forced to communicate through virtual platforms as part of their work may find this question to be intriguing.
So, can relationships be formed in a virtual platform?
For me personally I believe it is possible to form relationships with strangers online. As social creatures, we humans will always crave for social interaction, for friendship and companionship.
No man is an island indeed. Whether someone is an introvert or an extrovert, the craving for friendship is present in all of us.
And with the ever-evolving social media and its many capabilities that can give us the privilege of connecting with people for a long time, quality connection enables us to even see their physical appearances. Our tools for making contact with others are right in front of us, accessible to almost everyone.
But forming relationships face to face will always be the best situation in creating connections between people as you can almost immediately know whether you are compatible with others by feeling their vibes, aura and emotions. These things cannot be expressed or read in a virtual platform.
However, with time and effort, I believe friendships can be formed even between two people living very far from each other with the help of social media.
Therefore, we should put in the same effort in making friends face to face into forming relationships virtually. We should not isolate ourselves at a time where our mental health is already being tested. Both students and adults must find people they can share their burdens with. Because even just one friend can last a lifetime.
If we can make friends virtually then we can attract enemies too. We cannot be friends with everyone. Some peoples’ personalities and values just don’t match. But let this not discourage us from our nature.
As social creatures let us continue to seek companionship. After all, acquiring of a friend is equivalent to winning. And if we are afraid to fail, then we will never win.
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