| Some people may blame the internet for the | | | | video conversation with your chosen friends, or |
| increasing social isolation that people suffer from | | | | even talk to them on the phone. You are more |
| nowadays. Some studies even suggest that the | | | | likely not to suffer from social anxiety around |
| internet has created a world where people get | | | | these people since you will "know" them through |
| more and more introverted, while they are more | | | | your exchanged messages and/or forums |
| sociable online. This online sociability has been | | | | discussions for instance. A few of these |
| coined the term "electronic extroversion". If you | | | | virtual-turned-into-real-friend experiences and you |
| are reading this article, you probably use the | | | | will gain more confidence in your everyday life and |
| internet for many purposes: information, | | | | thus combat shyness and social anxiety. |
| entertainment, and advice among others. Did you | | | | Also, "Socializing" on the internet can help you gain |
| know you can use the internet to help you | | | | some of the valuable interpersonal skills that are |
| overcome your shyness and social anxiety? | | | | needed to eliminate shyness and social anxiety in |
| Shyness does not prevent internet communication | | | | face-to-face interactions. For instance, you might |
| because being safe and comfortable in your own | | | | learn important "how to handle rejection |
| home does not trigger a social anxiety reaction. | | | | techniques". Or, you may gain more experience in |
| When communicating online and having an internet | | | | how to be empathetic and supportive for a |
| "conversation", chat or otherwise, you get | | | | person in trouble. |
| positive reinforcement about your ideas, opinions, | | | | Through the internet you can learn of local events |
| and value systems. You feel that you are "OK" as | | | | suited to your cultural tastes and needs through |
| transactional analysists say. You meet people who | | | | local forum postings for example. This will give |
| are like-minded which helps your self-esteem, and | | | | you an opportunity to venture out into the world, |
| may increase your feeling of belonging. As you | | | | in a niche you may be more comfortable and |
| gain confidence and express yourself more, you | | | | relaxed in. |
| can make virtual friends that act as great support | | | | In general, internet might help you be happier and |
| systems for you in times of trouble. You can also | | | | overcome your social anxiety through increasing |
| include your online friends in your shyness attack | | | | confidence and enhancing your understanding of |
| plan. There are various modes of face-to-face or | | | | human nature and social interactions. |
| real time internet communication. You can have a | | | | |