Misty, let's play nice.
I'm grateful to have the wisdom of anyone who chooses to post here.
That said. Some Old Guy:
Glad you stopped by to post on the forums.
I thought I'd perhaps share the wisdom (yes, ha) of someone likely a lot younger than you.
Due to a rather unique situation... I haven't been able to talk to anyone outside my family, in person, for almost half my life (apart from rare, singular encounters). I mean that quite literally. My only friends
are online friends. Yes, most of them come and go - but friends in real life do the same. These people I consider online friends are just as important to me as you might consider a "real life" friend, and they've certainly helped me stay sane. I still keep in close touch with people I've met five years ago or more. Just because you've never had someone you've considered a friend online doesn't mean it isn't possible - it just means you haven't found anyone you're willing to be friends with. As to addiction... I wouldn't say I'm any more addicted to being online than you would be to going outside. I'm as normal and social as you (personality-wise, at least), just through a different medium.