It's probably good to be a bit careful online, I've met some really lovely people online though too...
**** normal. Do what works for you, and never worry about whether or not it's "normal" enough.
Before internet, there was a thing called being 'real mail' penfriends, I loved it and as a teenager, my best friends were international penfriends.
To people who might not understand internet friendship, maybe you can explain it like that?
I come from a small town in the countryside too, so I can relate.
It's probably good to be a bit careful online, I've met some really lovely people online though too...