Are Online Friendships 'Real' Friendships?
I often hear adults dismiss teenagers’ online friendships as somehow less valid than “real” friendships. This always strikes me as both wrong and a bit ironic—many of those same adults met their partners online.
Redefining “Real”
What makes a friendship real? Shared experiences? Emotional support? Knowing each other’s struggles and triumphs? All of these can happen online.
What Research Shows
Studies consistently find that online friendships can provide genuine social support, especially for:
- Teens in isolated areas
- LGBTQ+ youth finding community
- People with niche interests
- Those with social anxiety practicing social skills
The Nuance
This doesn’t mean all online connections are equally valuable, or that in-person connection doesn’t matter. The question isn’t “online vs. offline”—it’s about the quality of the relationship, regardless of medium.
For Parents
Rather than dismissing your teen’s online friendships, get curious about them. Who are these people? What do they talk about? What role do these connections play in your child’s life?
You might find there’s more there than you assumed.