Some people argue that the Internet contributes to reduced in-person social time between friends or it seems as if an invisible barrier is set up by the Internet between friends, so that the connection between friends becomes shallower. However, it is a fact that many people are inclined to make friends online and they indeed formed long-lasting friendships.
In the past, friends used to get together as often as possible and take every chance to catch up with each other, and undoubtedly they build closer bonds for they can speak up whenever they want to. In the digital age, it is also important to keep track of our friends’ updates and ensure we have deep conversations with each at times, whereas this kind of social life cannot be ensured since today people are hijacked by busy schedules and very limited time could be invested in socializing. Most of our time and energy are devoted to our work, but we have worked out effective means to keep in contact with each other in real time, which is the advent of the Internet. To some extent, the Internet doesn’t distance us from each other.
The Internet enables us to share important moments or urgent information with each other no matter where we are. In addition, it is easier to friend with those who we have interest in. The Internet has provided friends with a wide variety of activities to do together such as sending each other new photos, texting, watching videos on Netflix at the same time and commenting on that, so it has become more flexible to maintain relationships. Social networks have opened a window for friends to meet and talk through video calls. It also makes our social time controllable if we find the opposite side is dull. We can choose who we want to talk to longer and get away from shallow conversations.
In my opinion, online interaction doesn’t impede our social interaction, rather it allows us to connect with whoever we miss or really concern. Friendship is strengthened since we have access to multiple layers of linkage with our friends. It doesn’t have much negative impact on friendship.