I've hanged out at several, there's one I've been more at than others.
You know, chat boards can be good places to begin bein more social. You can "test" out social things without fearing to be emberessed in the middle of people.
But I wouldn't recommend being at alot of them, and you should be carefull they don't take control of you. (Addiction). They are ressources with people who you can get help from and help. You should be in control.
Myself I've been to a forum for 3 years. In easter, Norway's largest LAN-party will be held, then I'll meet a good deal of them. Many I've chatted with on MSN so they know about my social problems, and accept it. Looking forward too that. (A large LAN-party probably seems frightning to you, but I guess I'm kinda speficic, the longer I get away from home and lesser chance I have of running into someone I know there better it goes. Strangers are actually ok most of the time)