Social networking sites seem like the perfect way to keep in touch with friends. But is there a danger of placing too much importance on such sites? Could one’s online self eclipse the real you?

As the popularity of sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Hi5 grow in Rwanda and Rwandans begin socializing in the virtual world, its worth being aware of some of the dangers such sites present. Be careful not to be misunderstood.

There are a limited set of cues available on sites like these. You do not get the subtleties of voice tone, facial expressions or body language you usually have when interacting with others and that can make interpreting the meaning of messages difficult.

You can write something flippantly, which others take seriously, or come across as aggressive when that is not your intention at all.

Building an online profile is one way that individuals can identify themselves, making them feel important and accepted.

But this can lead to disappointment once people realise how insignificant their online existence really is. Not only are online friends not necessarily real friends, they can turn out to be people you do not wish to know at all.

Remember when things get personal, you are vulnerable. Do you really want everyone to know what you did on the weekend?

Because you can not see or hear other people, makes it easier to reveal yourself in a way you might not be comfortable with.

You become less conscious of the individuals involved (including yourself), less inhibited, less embarrassed and less concerned about how you will be evaluated. But you can end up just feeling exposed.

While online social networking is a fun and exciting way to stay connected, remember a drink with a real friend in a real place, might just be more fulfilling.

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