ADD ME, OR DON'T

If you were given the option to get to know someone by randomly starting a conversation in person, or by first getting to know them a bit online and then meeting them in person at a pre-determined time at a well lit place, what would you be more comfortable with?

The Internet and social media has become an efficient filter in terms of the people we choose to share our lives with these days. Most friends outside of school or work are found online, and depending on how we bond over the Internet, we choose to take that friendship further. That seems quite safe, logical, and in the end reduces the cringe-worthy experiences one assumes people used to have trying to make friends before the advent of the Internet, but does it take something good away as well?

I understand that it's a matter of perspective and previous experiences a person might have had, but in my case, I like not knowing most things about someone before I meet them in person. The first impression isn't everything, but it's a lot, and for me, a spontaneous first impression is more interesting than a heavily curated Instagram page.

– Azmin Azran, Sub-editor, SHOUT.