I think it helps that you know the people you depend on in DYS will be around.
I've made friends on public forums--including this one--who are active for a time but then disappear. But if someone is committed enough to fill out the DYS application, she's probably going to stay at least a little involved and not disappear. I'm not one who forms real friendships very easily IRL (lots of acquaintances, not many I consider friends), so losing someone I like is pretty wrenching for me, even online. There's a security there that I like. It's a minor point, but one that matters to me.
