The feelings you have communicating online are special, too. When l am '
talking in person with a friend, l am more hesitant and shyer. l keep some of my ideas hidden. ln contrast, when I am writing e-mails or lMing (instant
messaging), l am more honest and open. Online communication feels safer and more confidential to me, and l don’t fear people judging or criticizing me. l express my opinions more directly, and l share thoughts that l would never say out loud. l can’t explain why this happens, but my friends tell me they feel the same way. l know when l receive e-mails and lMs, even from people l have never seen, they share more personal information than my face-to-face friends do. This kind of open and honest expression is a relief to me.