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What are the pros and cons of making friends online?

302 Answers
Last Updated: 06/19/2022 at 6:34pm
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Top Rated Answers
Akor1
July 22nd, 2018 11:41pm
Pro's: Being anonymous can make it easier to talk to someone without fear of judgement. Cons: You don't know if the person you are talking to are sincere. As a note, never give out your personal information to people online.
Anonymous
May 31st, 2018 7:20pm
A big pro is that they are always there. A friend you can carry along in your pocket, if you will. And the biggest con is that you can't talk to them face to face. You can't hug them or just sit next to each other in peaceful silence.
Anonymous
May 25th, 2017 2:40pm
Pros: less social barriers than real life interactions, new perspectives, anonymity Cons: people may not be who they say there are and there are different social barriers to chatting online
Kpopcat2020
June 19th, 2022 6:34pm
Pros: -Someone who may/may not be anonymous to talk to -Friendships can grow online. -Doesn't disrupt anyone else's conversation to talk to them -Can talk any time of the day/night Cons: -Misunderstandings over messages -Can disappear at random times -Anonymity can be tough at times. -Using emojis and slang can be tough to understand. Online friends can be fun if you're smart. If you need someone to talk to? Of course. If they criticize you or tease you? No. Online friends can also be an opening for cyberbullying and other forms of emotional abuse. Be careful who you trust online. Don't share every little detail and be careful when they ask about details like your number, where you live, or your age. Best of luck to you!
sweetnutella
June 7th, 2017 7:19am
Pros : 1. You dont need to go anywhere to meet them. You just need at least internet connection. 2. Based on my personal experience, if you find friends in the right place, they can be very kind hearted and sweet. 3. They are easy to keep in touch with. Cons : 1. You don't know whether this person is faking or not 2. It's a challenge to meet them in real life, because maybe they are not like what you always expected 3. You don't know them Well, I know it's exciting to have online friends. But there are things that you still need to consider
Anonymous
June 8th, 2017 3:58am
Several pros of making new friends online include the chance to meet people from all over the world. This is something which in the 21st century has become available to everyone who has access to the internet. Another pro could be the ability to have easier communication. There are also some cons in making friends online, perhaps the biggest one is the fact that it is sometimes easy for people to become prey to predators looking to harass, or scam people online.
StardustEyes
June 14th, 2017 9:39am
Making friends online can be rewarding, as long as you know how to choose them wisely. Pros: -discovering new cultures and people from all around the world -you don't have to be phisically there to talk to them -since they don't know you in real life, I say, it's easier to open up to them -Mutual interests, depending on the situation -it is easy to end the conversation when you have had enough, never crossing your boundaries -easier way to communicate for people with social anxiety and not only Cons: -You can't be close to each other phisically -You can't know for sure who they are or who they are pretending to be -Lack of body language due to the phisycal distance, which is also a big factor in a conversation -Safety always has to be a consideration, not knowing who someone is can be fun, but you can be talking to a dangerous person and have no idea In conclusion, please be careful how you choose your online friends and be attentive on which information you share with them. If you pick them wisely, they can even be some of the best people you have met!
LunasCares
June 21st, 2017 3:16pm
PROS: Easy Access Social Buffer Quantity and global reach CONS: Anonimy Trust Lack of physical presences time zones
Anonymous
July 12th, 2017 8:21pm
The pros is that you can get connected to people from all around the world, and that you can gind someone with the same interest as you and that the circle of people you'll meet will be biggger, the cons is that maybe those people are faking, and maybe it's an imaginary person lying and pretending to be from the opposite sex(eg: a girl) and get you in trouble
YouCanTellMePH
August 11th, 2017 1:28am
Pros: There are things that is easier to be said online. So you will not feel pressured because they do not know you to an actual extent that might help you feel comfortable. Cons: Sometimes we conceal ourselves. We tend to establish our images to what we wish we are. We tend not to tell the truth and say things that will be appropriate and interesting to them. It is like conforming in a different way.
TeruHuskyLover
September 1st, 2017 1:12pm
From my personal experience, the cons are the possibility of never meeting, not being able to spend time together personally but all of that is countered by online friends being almost always the ones who are there when you need them, who wipe your tears, who always have time for you even if it is only online. They are not simply "online friends", they are true friends, and for me a family.
Nasrz8
November 22nd, 2017 12:38pm
Pros : 1) You get to know a new culture. 2) For some people, it's easier to interact than face to face. 3) It is faster and easier to talk & meet. Forget about crowded streets and having to wear specific clothes for the outing :) _____________________________________________________ Cons: 1) It is hard to know and trust the person online 100 % as you can't see his/her emotions and interactions. 2) You won't have to meet so you won't go out to the fresh air much. 3) you won't enjoy some of the perks of meeting a person in person, like talking a walk together, physical interactions like holding hands...etc
EmRivale
December 21st, 2017 10:07pm
You might meet some incredible people who will have fantastic impacts on your life, however you may feel the strain of the distance if they are particularly far away. Although they might be a virtual shoulder to cry on, sometimes we just need somebody by our side.
tygaasia
January 7th, 2018 3:41am
Pros: 1. You have someone to express what you are feeling in the present moment 2. You dont have the feeling that you are isolated Cons: 1. Internet is a bad place to be trusted on anyone cause we dont know if the friend is really a friend or has a hidden mask that might hamper us. 2. Hackers might steal our personal information while browsing the internet
Anonymous
March 28th, 2018 4:02am
Pros: Easier to meet like-minded people, can meet people from anywhere in the world, not as awkward. Cons: You might never actually meet them, could be catfish.
endearingLion70
April 21st, 2018 11:38am
For some people it is easier to talk to people online and so it is a way of making friends that is easy and not threatening. Still since it means connecting with strangers the same danger as striking relations with a total strangers are the cons.
SupportiveSockMonkey
May 2nd, 2018 7:21pm
Making friends online is wonderful, however it has many risks. It is important to not reveal any private details, this is because the other person could be a catfish (liar) and could be trying to obtain something personal from you. This includes covering identity theft, grooming or even just exploitation. However not everyone on the internet is out to get you! but it is important to take steps to protect yourself from those who could harm you. This includes not revealing private information, don't do anything you don't want to, tell them if they are making you feel uncomfortable and block and report them if they are threatening or upsetting you. Keep safe out there.
Anonymous
June 10th, 2018 2:34am
Pros: You can be anonymous and share personal information easily. Distance is not a problem. You can connect with likeminded people and meet new people. You have someone to talk to. You can overcome social anxiety. Cons: It can be dangerous as you do not really know who you are talking to. There is a lack of face to face contact. They can disappear easily without any trace. Predators There are more to each category. Just remember to be safe and be smart!
Anonymous
October 26th, 2019 1:33pm
Talking to anonymous friends about your troubles makes it much easier; they can’t judge you, they can only help you through your hard times. You have to take care of yourself though. Internet security is a must. But other than that, your online friends can listen to you, help you, guide you, laugh with you, and many more. Your online friends are her to make sure you have an amazing time and a wonderful life filled with blessings. If there is any way your internet friends can help achieve that, trust me they will. I must repeat this because it is of the utmost importance, you have to secure yourself: don’t share your real name, address, phone number, or meet up with any of your online friends. This is only for your safety and security and nothing else; so make sure you follow the rules and enjoy your time online.
Itsokay091
July 13th, 2019 2:28pm
Pros - 1. we get to know the heart first. 2. Confidently share our feelings without the fear of being judged. 3. Get to meet some wonderful souls sitting miles away from us. 4. Get to know about different cultures. Cons -1.if they decide to abandon you someday , you would not get the chance to say a goodbye and unsaid goodbyes are very hard to deal with. Then it feels like virtual world is a mask behind which there is no face. 2. There could be people pretending to be someone they are not. 3. Long distance sucks. Sometimes it's impossible to meet them in person.
FlightlessSongBird
July 19th, 2019 2:25pm
They can get you through some very tough times. I have had some very close online friends for the past 7 years and they’ve been very important to my mental health. Sometimes it’s much easier making friends online as opposed to real life due to geographic location or other restrictions but the online community can exist in your home, accessible by your devices. The online community exists in every time zone and is a very diverse array of individuals that can be exactly what you’re looking for in a friend as opposed to looking for specific characteristics in the limited amount of people near you.
Anonymous
August 8th, 2019 12:06am
Pros are you have new friends to talk about things you like and enjoy. You really don't have to worry about making an effort to get dressed up or spend money going out with them. You get to talk to them when you want to. I guess there is less judgement as you can say things online or be a bit different to your outside persona. Cons. They may live in a different country so different time zones mean chatting would be hard as well as meeting up in the future. You may offend someone and not mean to because of how you've written a message and how it sounds could be misinterpreted.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2019 9:32pm
When it comes to pros, the one I think of first is that generally you won't be afraid to speak openly of your ideals or principles. This leads to a more "genuine" friendship, where you're not fearful of what society in general might think of what you're saying. Another pro that comes to mind is your ability to contact each other quite easily. A con for me would be the inability to create binding experiences out there, such as camping together, going out for a drink, etc. A second con is regarding the anonymity granted with online encounters, sometimes people may exploit us by assuming the role of someone we'll be fond of.
AaronBurnsXXX
August 17th, 2019 5:40am
The pros of making friends online are that you can listen and support each other if you need too. Also you have someone to talk to and not feel alone. You can also learn new methods from them in how to deal with certain situations. The cons are unless you physically me them you do not know who you are really talking to. You could be a child thinking you are talking to a child your own age but really it is an adult and that adult is acting as a child and wants for example explicit photos of that child.
TheHelpfulPillow
September 16th, 2019 10:12pm
Let's start with the pros. Well, they can't stand you up if you meet online, and they can't physically harm you. If they say anything mean, you can remove them from your life immediately with a single "Block button". - You can learn about new cultures, ways of lifes. - You control how much personal information they learn about you. As for cons, well they might not be who they say they are. They might try to scam you, or heck even go as far as hacking your computer. They might try to message other people you know or impersonate you or a friend.
Anonymous
March 20th, 2020 8:24am
Some cons about making friends online is that you don’t actually know their personality. You need to actually meet that person to decide whether or not to be friends with them. From experience, I met a really nice person and they ended up sending me very unwanted pictures. Another con is that if you meet this person in real life, it may be someone completely different. This is known as catfishing. A pro is that you may meet some really nice people. Just be careful because there are lots of bad people out there so make sure you are being safe.
Marius2002
September 25th, 2020 10:46pm
Pros: - Easier to find a person that fits in with your hobbies, your type. You don't have to rely on luck as much anymore than before. - If they are from another country you will learn about their traditions and culture. (Examples : Germany,Russia,Latvia,Poland) - More likely to understand and help, less anxiety asking for help with a problem, because you wont meet them in person the next day. Cons: - They could be living very far away, thus meeting them would be very difficult! And that you don't actually know how they are in person. - Possible ghosting. Which could make you feel guilty or sad.
Ribz
September 25th, 2020 4:24am
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Efini06
July 4th, 2019 8:39pm
The pros: You can be friends with people from all over the world It's easier to strike up a conversation. If you're a shy person, it's probably easier for you to approach people in the online world It's easier to open up. Many people find it easier to share things with their online friends because they feel more comfortable typing the words than saying them. Cons: There is no body language and intonation. Communication without body language and intonation can lead to misunderstandings. Sadly, emoticons don't always help You can lose yourself in the online world. Online friendships can get addicting. You might end up abandoning your real-life friends in favor of your online acquaintances. You can be taken advantage of. Are you really sure that they are who they seem to be? Maybe you've really found yourself a great friend, and maybe you're just being catfished.
Anonymous
February 20th, 2020 10:04am
The Pro's are: Its always good to talk to someone you don't know personally cause by that you feel no judgments cause you don't know them personally. You'd be more open and more honest. And its always good connecting with people around the world, you could learn their culture as well. And then, there's the bad side. The internet is a dangerous place in which if you don't come across good people, they would make you uncomfortable and probably leave an emotional damage.