Very well said, Jessica. Yes, we are all real people, but we do form opinions of what each of us write and share. It may be easier to get to know someone who shares personal stories and things that happen in their everyday lives, but also through About Me articles and challenge questions.
With fiction writers and poets it may not be as easy, but you can still get an idea of their personality and what they are like through the subjects they choose, and how they write.
My online friends are just as important to me, as my own “real world” family and friends.