At the risk of sounding too negative, here's my 2 cents...
I'm very shy and introverted. In person, I rarely offer my opinion and speak only when spoken to. Socialization just isn't something I can do easily.
But on a forum, I can (and sometimes will) offer my opinion freely (everyone is entitled to my opinion
) because I know I will most likely never meet you.
In addition, I have the option to proof-read and edit my posts, and much of the emotion and body language is lost.
Because of this I don't think it's the same as socializing in the "real world". But, I can't say that it won't help...