With phones, video chats, correspondence on social networks, and instant messengers, people's social contacts have been reduced to a minimum. But psychologists remind us that people need friends not only in the online environment but also in real life. Let's try to figure out whether virtual relationships can become real and how to understand whether you are ready for a personal meeting with your online acquaintances.

Is Online Friendship Our New Reality?

There is no substitute for face-to-face communication. A conversation in a video chat seems to be as close to reality as possible. However, over time, the need to be in the same space as the person on the other end of the line becomes more apparent.

Although childhood friends can maintain online relationships throughout their lives, such friendship has a foundation—people know each other personally and are united by common memories. In contrast, virtual communication between strangers is often based on fantasies and speculation, while the identity of the interlocutor remains behind the scenes.

How to Find Friends Online

Many people meet through Tinder, a popular online dating and networking application. All you need is to indicate in your profile that you are looking for friends. You can even offer a reason for meeting—going to the cinema, a cafe, or walking along the beach.

Other options include using services specifically designed for finding friends, for example, Bumble BFF or Yubo. Maybe they are not as well-known as Tinder, but there is less risk that a person you are chatting with will want to meet you for a sexual relationship rather than friendship.

Virtual friends with similar interests can be found in thematic communities. Some of them have sections for meeting like-minded people.

Tips for Transitioning Online Communication into In-Person Interactions

The desire to meet in real life should be mutual. By following these unspoken rules of online etiquette, you are most likely to achieve your goals:

●     Don't start with "Hey, how are you?" but rather engage in conversation with a specific question related to a person’s profile or a thoughtful comment.

●     Avoid sending endless requests for shares and likes, invitations to groups, or offers to play online games.

●     Don't litter a person's wall with faceless messages and pictures. If you wish for a happy holiday, add a couple of warm and sincere phrases to show your care.

●     Be tactful in your statements. Each person is unique and perceives information in their own way. Therefore, when switching to more informal communication, carefully monitor the reaction of your interlocutor.

●     Respect the other person's opinion, even if it does not coincide with yours. Before you give advice on a sensitive topic, make sure the person wants to hear your advice.

How to Tell if It Is Worth Continuing Communication Offline

It seems that the only way to see someone’s real character is to meet them in real life. But in practice, online communication also allows you to learn a lot about a new acquaintance. To make sure the person is genuine and most likely to be a suitable partner for communication, you should pay attention to the following details:

●     Your friend uses real photos, and there are no inconsistencies in the data from their profiles. As Nuwber states, catfishing is a very common practice on social platforms, where individuals use fake identities and photos to deceive others.

●     Mutual interest in each other. Remember that the enthusiasm of one person is not enough for two. Your virtual friend should also take the initiative—ask questions and be sincerely interested in your life.

●     Similar hobbies. Look for someone who shares your hobbies and passions as it creates a strong foundation for connection. The more in common you have, the easier it will be to get closer.

How Not to Get Disappointed

According to the Bumble BFF survey, 66% of Gen Z respondents have met their friends online. However, there are people who are disappointed with their efforts. Negative emotions can be avoided if you start preparing for the transition to offline in advance.

Understand Your Feelings and Motives

Probably your desire to make friends is connected with a wish to share your problems with them, tell them about your troubles, and ask for real support in a difficult period of life. And when this period is over, new acquaintances often become a burden.

If you are currently going through a difficult period in your life, it is advisable to consult a psychotherapist to navigate through your challenges, and only then continue to get closer to people. After all, friendship is not only an opportunity to receive support but also a chance to give support, listen, and be there for others in their time of need.

Get to Know Each Other Better

Often people are in a hurry to move from online friendships to real meetings, without having time to learn more about their new acquaintance. Even if you realize from the photo that this is an interesting person, it is wise to wait a bit and find out what they are interested in, what they do for a living, and how they like to spend their free time.

Start Small

Opening up to strangers is not easy, especially if you have had a negative experience before. If you want to go beyond online communication but are feeling hesitant, consider starting with small interactions in safe environments. Building trust gradually can help you feel more comfortable and confident in opening up to new people.

To Sum Up

Virtual contacts are as important as real ones, and the internet can be a helpful tool for finding people with common interests and views. Thanks to it, you can meet friends, business partners, or even a soulmate. But remember that not every friend, and especially not every subscriber, will be ready to become your true friend. Still, it is possible to turn your online friendships into real ones. Investing time and effort into the relationship can help bridge the gap between your virtual and real lives.