In today’s society, it is much harder to make offline friends than you think. time and space constraints, busy work, and an introverted personality to make friends make offline communication extremely difficult. For many people, building real offline friendships takes time, energy, and courage, especially adults in unfamiliar cities. Unlike the interest-based matching common on digital platforms, offline social interaction relies heavily on chance encounters and shared environments, which are scarce and relatively limited.
However, with the rapid development of digital technology, online friendships have not only become possible, but are becoming the norm. 1v1 video chat apps can provide you with unlimited opportunities to meet like-minded people.
Why Making Friends Online Is Easier Than Ever
In 2025, the barriers to social connection are lower than ever. From social apps designed for friendship (not dating) to niche online communities, your next best friend might just be a few clicks away.
Whether you’re joining a Discord server about indie games or connecting with fellow writers on Reddit, shared interests now form the foundation of most online relationships.
But how do you actually build real, lasting friendships online? Let’s break it down.
How to Start (and Sustain) Online Friendships
Making the first move can be intimidating, but here’s a simple framework that works:
- Start with shared interests. “Hey, I saw you love Studio Ghibli too. What’s your favorite?”
- Ask open-ended questions. Avoid “yes/no” traps. Try: “How did you get into photography?”
- Be consistent, not clingy. Friendships grow from regular, meaningful interactions, not constant messages.
- Use voice or video to deepen the connection. After some time texting, hopping on a call can humanize friendship.
Staying Safe While Making Friends Online
Friendship should feel safe. Keep these in mind:
- Don’t overshare personal details too early (address, financials, etc.)
- Use platforms with moderation and report features, such as Azar and Fachat
- When meeting IRL, choose public spaces and tell a trusted contact
Online friends are real friends—but they should never put you at risk.
Tips for Introverts Making Friends Online
Not everyone thrives in loud chat rooms or group calls. If you’re more reserved:
- Start in forums or asynchronous platforms like Reddit or Facebook groups
- Choose interest-first communities to remove social pressure
- Set boundaries: It’s okay to take breaks and not reply instantly
- Write bios and introductions in advance to ease the anxiety of cold messages
Friendship isn’t about being extroverted—it’s about being genuine.
A Real Story
Emma, a travel writer from Canada, met her best friend Max via a language exchange app during lockdown. After two years of chatting and voice calls, they finally met in Berlin, where Max introduced Emma to his local writing club.
“Without the internet, we’d never have crossed paths,” Emma says.
It’s Your Turn
Making friends online is geographically wide and diverse, and the ways of interaction are flexible and varied.
What are you waiting for?
You can leave a message in the comment area to tell us: Have you made real friends online? Which platform is best for you?
FAQ
1. How do I make real friends online?
You can find friends online through platforms like Meetup, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities focused on your interests. Once you’ve built rapport, arrange to meet in safe, public places like cafes or community events.
2. How can I make friends online safely?
The safest way to make friends online is to use reputable platforms with strong safety features, like identity verification, privacy controls, and report/block options. Always protect personal info, avoid clicking unknown links, and meet in public places if you take the friendship offline. Apps like Bumble BFF, Tandem, and Discord with moderation tools are good starting points for secure online socializing.
3. How do introverts make friends?
Introverts make friends best through deep, one-on-one connections rather than large social groups. They often thrive in settings that allow for meaningful conversations, such as shared-interest clubs, online communities, or hobby-based apps. Introverts may take longer to open up, but once they do, they form strong, loyal friendships.
