I'm very sorry to hear that Riot, that's never easy. I used to brush away and take for granted good people as friends, but I've come to realize how wrong I was to do so. Got to hold on to them, it's definitely not everyday they come by.
Yiazmat, I'm sure there are good people out there that would make good friends. Indeed, people act different than they do face-to-face. Behind a screen, sometimes it's easier for misunderstandings but also provides opportunities for less of that. People feel the power of internet and screen anonymity, the power of not being seen, some people unleash their wits and personalities good or bad when they've got that protective layer. You can say whatever you like and get away with anything. Most people feel more powerful and confident and social interactions are not the same as they are in person.
"Get out, get yourself out there, find something you're interested in, be confident, and hope for the best" is what I would say, but your forum signature makes me think that you don't share and would reject that mindset. Really, my thoughts are there are both a lot of good and bad people out there, it's unhealthy to only see and acknowledge one side. Also, judging people without knowing them... we all lead different lives, for all I know someone may act the way they do because of a big event such as personal tragedy.