Relationship experts explain how to meet new people online and make friends with like-minded people without seeming weird.
Either way, that isolated feeling can become formidable at times.
Luckily, the internet has made it increasingly convenient to meet new people online over the last few years.
Wondering how to meet new people online?
We tapped experts to explain the easiestand safestway to make online connections.
The shift to remote work also took away many of the in-person interactions we had daily.
psychotherapist
People across all age groups turned to the internet for both platonicandromantic relationships.
How do I meet new people online?Is there a site just to make friends?
Many people wrongly assume that it’s possible for you to only meet someone through a dating app.
Dr. Toy highlights websites such as Meetup.com.
Its a well established website.
Perhaps youre an athlete looking for friends to train with.
Maybe youre a new mom who is the only new parent in your immediate circle of friends and family.
Peanut
Motherhood can feel lonely.
WINK is an app that allows you to tailor what youre looking for.
psychotherapist
it’s possible for you to select whether youre looking for friendship or a romantic relationship.
WINK also allows you to chat directly on the app or move the conversation to Snapchat.
LMK is a talk-based app that allows you to connect with others in a number of different ways.
you could match with other app users based on shared interests and your age group.
ATLETO is a great ice-breaker to make friends who have niche sport interests.
Its a great training ground, but its not ultimately what you should be seeking.
I think the in-person component is very important.
Online friends can be healthy as long as the connection is real and supportive.
Online or offline, a healthy connection should nourish and energize you.
And for individuals who are introverted or struggle with social anxiety, online friendships can be great.
Can online friends be trusted?
Groskopf stresses that trusting online friends is just like trusting anyone elseit takes time and care.
Always listen to your gut.
If something feels off, dont brush it aside.
So take your time, set clear boundaries, and let trust build naturally.
They also advise paying attention in case the details of a persons biography or backstory change.
Groskopf advises, Join groups that are full of like-minded people who share your interests.
When everyones there for the same reason, it takes away the anxiety of How do I fit in?
or What do I say?
If you have social anxiety, consider joining an online group where others are in the same boat.
Its a lot easier to connect when you know that everyone also understands what youre going through.
And if youre into something specific, like holistic wellness or fanfiction, find a group dedicated to that.
When youre talking about something you love, the conversation just naturally flows easier.
For example, a person may hold onto the narrative that theyre not interesting in person.
They need to be able to break from that, says Dr. De Gannes.
Put yourself in a position to prove yourself wrong.
Each of our experts highlighted key steps you could take to stay safe when talking to people online.
These key steps ensure your personal and financial safety:
1.
Be wary of people who ask for your mailing address to send you a gift or card.
Also refrain from sharing your personal phone number.
Opt for other ways of communication such as voice calls on Facebook Messenger.
Professional scammers are skilled and know every trick in the book.
Most importantly, never share your social security number.
Each of our experts shared key precautions that you should take before meeting someone you met online in person.
If its 5pm in Seattle, but its dark outside their window, this signals something is off.
Dr Toy also struggles doing some more digging online to verify a persons identity.
Take a look at their LinkedIn and their social media.
Does the information youre seeing on there making sense?
Does the information match what they have told you during your conversations?
Its also important to take note of their profile photo?
If their social media and LinkedIn dont have profile photos, it could be a red flag.
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