are internet friends real friends?

Question

i have many MANY internet friends from many different websites. i honestly don't know where i would be without them. they've helped me when i'm down, and i've done the same for them. i've had irl friends who are much more fake than these guys, seriously. 
but my family keeps telling me they aren't my real friends. i don't get that. just because we can't see eachother or feel eachother doesn't mean that we can't be friends. it doesn't mean that they're old men trying to kill me, just because they're on the internet. the internet doesn't automatically make them fake, in my opinion. 
so, i wanted to ask you guys how you felt about it. to see if we're all on the same page or not.

Answer

They are real friends. I talk to my internet friends more than friends that I've had for years.

Answer

Well they're real people..: so they can be real friends

Answer

For me, yes. One of my best friends I met online, and lives in America. I've never met him in person but I'd like to, we've been friends for a good two years at least now.
 If for others they aren't real friends then that's fine too. I just hate it when people think they can tell others that their friends aren't real friends though 😒

Answer

I met someone through Instagram and she flew out from Seattle to see me. It was super crazy seeing her in person. One of the best people I've ever met. We clicked in person just like we did online. Forever wishing she lived her so we could hang out more.

Answer

The thing about internet friends is that it is so much easier to be dishonest with them. If you're both being open and honest then yes it's a real friendship just like irl, likp

Answer

I actually met one of my best friends on Instagram, and she lives in Sydney. I also have a few friends I made in CC that I regularly talk to.

Answer

I have a friend I met on here, we email and message all the time. I'd happily meet up with her 🙂. I don't think there's anything wrong with it 🙂

Answer

I played Habbo when I was 12 years old. I made some friends there, for the entire country. 6 friends.

Im 19, stopped playing it at 14, and still talk to them everyday.

Answer

For me, no. I need real physical contact to connect with someone. 
That's just me though! I'd never be so hubristic to assume the way I personally operate is the only way possible.

Answer

Depends on what your definition of a real friend is. If the person fits the bill of what that means to you, then they're real for you.