Online Friends Are Real Friends
A personal reflection on the validity and depth of friendships formed online. The author argues that digital connections can be as meaningful and supportive as in-person relationships.
Why it matters
As digital interaction becomes the norm, societal perceptions of 'real' friendship are evolving to include online-first connections.
A few days ago I booked my flights to not only attend a professional event, but also visit and stay with one of my best friends next month. This will be the sixth time that at least one of us has traveled to hang out with the other.
We met each other online six years ago via Reddit (and to some degree, Instagram back when I still had an account) simply through shared interests. Never in my life did I suspect I would befriend someone online to such a degree that they feel like a true brother to me.
I liked Absurd Pirate's post because it made me reflect on my own online friendships, which are so important to me.
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