Online Behavior - What's Important

Is it easier to make friends online? I don't like to think that I'm anti-social. Maybe it's more along the lines of having the mentality that believes that people can see ME. That maybe they're judging and don't like what they're seeing. That leaves me wide open for all sorts of psychoanalysis. But online, I don't feel like that. It's only in person, and usually only really evident in a group of 3 or more people. How I got to this point is pretty much an account of every day of my life, but I won't get into it. Of course, if your family is anything like mine they have no problem actually saying the judgments that happen to cross their minds.
It's always the same old thing, some people have no social sensor. Nothing that governs whether or not they should say something. Either that or they just don't care if what they say is or isn't acceptable, polite, or even tactful. You can say some pretty harsh truths and get away with them, if you put yourself on the other side of the conversation first. My children remind me every day of the differences in the ways of teaching manners and socially acceptable behavior I grew up with and they did. Of course, spanking is considered abuse. (Very quietly... I don't think so!) A well-placed and well-timed smack on the butt isn't a cure for bad behavior, but it is not abuse, especially if it is effective in breaking the habits that would turn your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents over in their graves.  I sure as hell am not going to go up to someone and say the things my kids think are okay to say! Like I said, NO SENSOR! I shudder to think of the shape of my backside if I tried that when I was a kid. Currently, my mother lives with me and my two teenagers. She asks me on a regular basis if she can please thump them. I tell her no, but it's never the answer I really want to give. Don't tell them that though!
Sorry, off topic, again!
I like to think of my interactions with people online as more open and less threatening than in person. In person, there's always the worry that my makeup is smeared, my hair looks like a bunch of ferrets have been playing hide and seek, and my weight, height, eye color, chin, etc. will be judged and found wanting. Online, I can let my real thoughts and feelings be put out there without the worry. If you can't see me then the only thing that can be judged is my intelligence, competence, and character. I'm okay with that. I've got a high level of intelligence. I'm quite competent in dealing with the things I have learned. My character is straight forward and caring. No secrets, lies, or attempts to make anyone think I'm any different than I really am.
As physically insecure as I may be, I don't have any doubts about who and what I am inside. People seem to like me when I'm willing to let them. Hmm. Worrying over looks and how I'm going to be perceived limits what I can offer. I'd rather be approachable. For me, that means just letting my care and concern show in the words I write. It's okay for people to react in any way they want to online. The ones that become my friends come to me because I've written and showed that I care about the things they care about. That I'm not going to put them down for not knowing something or making a mistake. That I will support and encourage them without reservations or hidden agendas. Sometimes, it's just being able to run things through my head for a little while before posting a response. If you ask a question and I know the answer, you'll get the answer. If you have a problem and I have advice or experience, you'll get my perspective. I can't help it. (Typical water bearer. No judgment. Lots of input so you can make your own choices fully informed.)
I don't understand people who feel that stating judgments is acceptable, either in person or online. You don't want to be judged. You don't feel that others have the right to make judgments about you, so why would you say it to someone else? It just doesn't make sense.
I think everyone wants information, support, and encouragement. Online, the physical interaction created by body language never becomes an issue. I'd rather be able to concentrate completely on what a person is saying, think about it, spend some time researching information if needed, and then posting a reply with some consideration and care behind it.