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Since COVID-19, my circle of online friends has grown wider. For someone like me, who struggles with social anxiety, having online friends is a blessing. It lets me connect with people and experience the world without leaving home. In fact, my online friends have become a huge part of my life now.

During the pandemic, when everything around me changed, my online friendships remained the same. Since we had always communicated virtually, no adjustment was needed. If anything, we spent even more time together. Stuck at home, we bonded over video calls, texts, online games, and late-night chats. While the world outside was chaotic, these connections gave me a sense of normalcy.

Some people don’t take online friendships seriously, thinking they lack depth or sincerity. While I’ve had my fair share of unpleasant experiences, I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to meet some of the most wonderful people online. Some of my closest friends today started as online friends before we met in person. It’s incredible how technology brings people together, no matter how far apart they are. Online friendships may have their limits, but they’re still meaningful. Here’s why they matter to me:

Instant Connections Based on Shared Interests

When I was younger, I thrived in social settings, and making friends felt effortless. However, as I grew older, I became more introverted and reserved. Social anxiety crept in, and I started avoiding interactions with strangers.

Online friendships are different. There’s no awkward small talk. No forced conversations. I get to connect with people based on shared interests, and that makes everything feel more natural. In real life, friendships often form through mutual connections, but that doesn’t always mean we have much in common. Online, I can engage when I feel like it and take a step back when I need to—no pressure, no expectations.

I Feel Emotionally Closer to My Online Friends

I rarely open up to people in my offline social circle. I don’t like the idea of my personal matters becoming common knowledge. But with my online friends, I feel a sense of security. They exist in a separate space from my daily life, making it easier to confide in them. I know that what I share stays between us, and that kind of emotional support is invaluable.

A Lot of My Online Friends Have Given Me The Best Experiences.

Our bond isn’t built on convenience or obligation but on genuine care and understanding.

For instance, I have a friend I consider a brother—we met online and chatted for three years before finally meeting in person. We’ve now known each other for over seven years, and he is one of the few people who truly understands me. Another dear friend, Maciek from Poland, has been in my life for a decade. He supported me during my hardest times and still checks in on me today. And then there’s Jimmy, my gaming buddy. If you’re reading this, thank you for being such a great friend over the past five years—too bad I don’t game anymore! Haha.

I Value My Online Friends Just as Much as My Real-Life Friends

Just because we don’t hang out in person doesn’t mean our bond is any less real. I value my online friends just as much as my real-life ones. In fact, I often get to spend more quality time with them than with friends I see in person. If I ever get the chance, I’d love to meet them all.

We Get to Know Each Other Deeply Before Meeting in Person

One of the things I appreciate about online friendships is the ability to truly get to know someone before meeting them. Every online friend I have right now holds strong values and is a genuine person with a meaningful life. Some I’ve met in person, while others I haven’t yet. But when we do meet, it never feels awkward—because we’ve already built a foundation of trust and understanding. I might not know everything about them, but I do know we share a common interest. At first glance, it sounds like a disadvantage, but knowing less about someone gives you the space to get to know them in a much deeper and unbiased way.

They Are My Biggest Supporters

Surprisingly, my biggest supporters aren’t always the people I see daily. They’re my online friends—my readers, gaming buddies, Instagram followers, and those I’ve met through different platforms. Even though we haven’t met, they always encourage me, whether it’s through kind words, motivation, or valuable advice.

Talking to My Online Friends Makes Me Happy

Not many people around me truly understand my world. My interests, hobbies, and way of thinking don’t always align with those in my everyday life. Conversations about Formula 1, music, movies, gaming, writing, or photography might not interest the people I know offline. But online, I’ve found people who share these passions. It’s refreshing. It’s comforting. And it’s one of the reasons I cherish these friendships so much.

This is why I cherish my online friendships—they allow me to engage in meaningful conversations about the things I love. It benefits my mental health and overall well-being, making me feel truly connected.

If you are one of my online friends and happen to come across this post, thank you for being so kind to me. I truly appreciate our friendship.

X, Hani.