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Virtual Online Support?

I was pondering where to put this subject... computer board, traditions and cultural beliefs... but then I thought this is more psychological than anything else. The 'tool' in this case just happens to be the internet. However, do you get 'virtual' support from using the net? Do you feel comforted? Do you feel somehow more reassured when you meet with online friends?

INTERNET GIVES PEOPLE 'VIRTUAL' SUPPORT
Several times a day, Robin Olson pulls up her chair to join a virtual circle of
people looking for emotional support.
https://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C...37922%2C00.html

Support Online Virtual

I think I do get some sort of 'virtual' support from online friends on the net.  I have met so many great people from all walks of life and from all over the world.  I mean, I can talk to them about some things, not all, but some stuff in general and be able to get some sort of feedback on how to resolve a problem in my life at that point in time.

Virtual Online Support? Gaming Video & Issues Computer

Virtual support is many times on a much more broad a level than just with people that you share a similar experience. Many years ago when I still used AOL I spent many lonely hours in a chat room. There were then an unbelievable number of people looking for nothing more than someone to share their problems or situations with to gain moral support of sorts. I know I spent many nights talking to people that were going through difficult times and needed a friendly ear.

*more on topic*

Hospitals have come to use virtual support for many of their patients. Internet in many hospitals allow long-term patients to do something very much like this. Example: A very good friend of mine a few years back spent much of her time in one hospital or another. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was born and lived the 17 years of her life running between her home and the hospital. Many times the local hospital did not find they had the specialty resources to give her the best care and would transfer her approx. 3 hours away to a childrens hospital. This limited who could come and visit her. She actually had a laptop in her room with internet to give her chat capabilities as well as network abilities with many other hospitals in which she could visit with other kids and young adults that suffered from CF also. I believe this was a huge help to her. She was a very outgoing person and never let her situations get the best of her. She was one of the strongest willed people I have ever met and I have to believe that her "Virtual Support" had to plan some sort of roll in keeping her spirits up as she worked so hard to do.