I'm late to online forums, and I thought I had found this whole new world of people who could help me with navigating life (I'm autistic), and likewise return the favour when I knew about something that another person wanted help with.

But I've found that I generally don't take on board well-meaning advice as much as I should, and I know I am just one opinion on a forum, when there are so many. However, I have to say that there have been times when I have gotten really caring and empathetic responses and this helped in the short term.

I think I am pretty average, but I am finding on community forums that I am much more comfortable with posters who share my views and I am actually becoming less likely to be open to others? I don't know why this is because part of the benefits of forums was to widen my experience.

Has online communities enhanced your life? And if you have time can you ask you in what way?