This got me thinking. One thing which applies in the real world but not online is PROXIMITY.

Most of the time when you live with someone, work with someone, or just spend a lot of time around someone, you are MUCH more likely to become friends that you otherwise would.

I have not found this to be true online. Just because you spend a lot of time in a particular forum doesnt mean you are more likely to develop friendships with those people- only the people who match your viewpoints etc.

Then again I wouldnt say Ive ever formed anything coming close to a "close friendship" with anyone I solely interact with online, so I'd be curious to know what others think about this.