How To Make Friends Online: 10 Best Ways To Find Your People

The internet has revolutionized how we connect with others. In the 2020s, making friends online is more accessible than ever before. 

From social media to specialized online communities, the digital world offers endless opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. However, making friends online comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. 

This guide will walk you through the best ways to find your people online while ensuring a safe and positive experience.

What Is Online Etiquette?

When making friends online, keep the concept of online etiquette in mind. Just like you would mind your manners in face-to-face interactions, the same applies online. 

Online etiquette, AKA netiquette, involves being respectful, kind, and mindful of others' boundaries. When you're commenting on a social media post, chatting in a forum, or participating in a video game, following these unwritten rules helps create a positive environment where friendships can flourish.

For example, in gaming communities, respecting others' play styles and refraining from toxic behavior like gamer rage is a must. Understanding and practicing good online etiquette is the foundation for building genuine connections online.

What To Consider When Making Friends Online

Before looking at the ways to make friends online, consider a few key factors that can influence your experience:

• Safety: Always be cautious when sharing personal information online. Use discretion when interacting with strangers, and be mindful of privacy settings on social media platforms.
• Communication: Clear communication is vital in any relationship. Be open about your intentions, whether you’re looking for casual chats or deeper connections.‍
• Patience: Building friendships takes time. Don’t rush the process, and allow the relationship to develop naturally.‍
• Boundaries: Respect your own and others' boundaries. Not everyone will be comfortable sharing certain details or meeting in person, and that's okay.‍
• Cultural Sensitivity: The internet connects people from all over the world, so be mindful of cultural differences and respectful of others' backgrounds and traditions.

Start With Shared Interests

One of the easiest ways to make friends online is by connecting over shared interests. Whether it’s a love for a particular TV show, a hobby like knitting, or a passion for video games, finding common ground is the first step in forming a bond. 

Look for communities, forums, or social media groups where people discuss topics you’re passionate about. Engaging in conversations about these interests helps break the ice and lays the foundation for a lasting friendship.

Look for Like-Minded People

Shared interests are a great starting point, but finding like-minded individuals goes deeper than that. Look for people who share your values, outlook on life, and sense of humor. 

These deeper connections are what often turn casual online acquaintances into close friends. Pay attention to how others communicate and what they prioritize in their online interactions to find those who resonate with your personality and worldview.

Ease Into Video Chat and Voice Chat

As your online friendships develop, consider moving from text-based communication to video chat or voice chat. This transition can significantly enhance your connection by adding a more personal touch to your conversations. 

Ease into this stage at a pace that feels comfortable for both people. Not everyone is immediately comfortable with video or voice chats, so always respect each other’s comfort levels. If you’re both open to it, this can be a great way to deepen your online friendship.

Don’t Rush In-Person Meetups

Meeting online friends in person can be exciting, but don’t rush this step. Always prioritize safety when considering in-person meetups. 

Make sure you’ve built a strong, trustworthy relationship before taking this step, and always meet in a public place the first time. If the other person seems hesitant, respect their boundaries and be patient. Remember, the friendship you’ve built online is valuable, whether or not it eventually leads to an in-person meeting.

How Do I Make Online Friends?

1. Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are some of the most popular places to make friends online. 

These platforms offer a variety of ways to connect with others, from joining groups to participating in discussions. You can follow accounts that share your interests, comment on posts, and engage with content that resonates with you. Over time, these interactions can lead to meaningful friendships.

2. Forums

Online forums are dedicated spaces where people discuss specific topics, ranging from hobbies and professions to personal interests. 

Websites like Reddit or niche forums related to your interests are excellent places to meet people who share your passions. You can start forming connections with other forum members by actively participating in discussions and offering helpful advice or insights.

3. Discord

Discord is a platform designed for community building. Originally popular among gamers, Discord has expanded to host communities on a wide range of topics. 

You can join public servers dedicated to your interests or create your own server to gather like-minded people. The chat feature, combined with voice and video options, makes it an ideal platform for making and nurturing online friendships.

4. Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform where people broadcast content, often related to gaming, but also covering a wide array of interests like music, cooking, and art. 

Engaging with streamers and other viewers in the chat can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Over time, frequent interaction in a streamer’s community can lead to friendships with both the streamer and other viewers.

5. Friendship Apps

There are apps specifically designed for making friends, such as Bumble BFF, Friender, and Patook. These platforms are like dating apps but focused on platonic relationships. 

By creating a profile that highlights your interests and what you’re looking for in a friend, you can match with people who have similar goals. These apps are particularly useful if you’re new to an area or looking to expand your social circle.

6. Online Book Clubs

If you’re a book lover, online book clubs are a fantastic way to connect with others who share your passion for reading. 

Platforms like Goodreads offer group features where you can discuss books, join reading challenges, and participate in book-related discussions. Engaging in these communities can help you connect with people who have similar tastes in literature, leading to meaningful conversations and friendships.

7. Other Online Communities

Beyond the platforms mentioned above, there are countless online communities dedicated to specific interests, hobbies, or causes. 

Websites like Meetup.com allow you to join groups that host virtual events or discussions on topics that interest you. By actively participating in these communities, you can meet new people and potentially make lifelong friends.

8. Online School

Online education has become increasingly popular, and participating in online classes can be an excellent way to make friends. Whether you’re taking a course on a subject you’re passionate about or working towards a degree, the collaborative environment of online schooling can foster friendships with classmates. 

Engaging in group projects, discussions, and study groups are great ways to connect with others who share your academic interests.

9. Video Games

For many people, video games are a go-to way of making friends online. Multiplayer games, in particular, offer numerous opportunities to connect with others. 

By joining a guild, clan, or team, you can bond with other players over shared goals and challenges. Many lasting friendships have started from cooperative gameplay, and the shared experiences in the virtual world often translate into strong connections.

10. Hero Journey Club

Hero Journey Club is a unique online community that blends therapy and social interaction within video games like Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Stardew Valley. 

Led by therapists, this virtual support group offers a safe space for folks to connect, share experiences, and support each other through their personal journeys. The therapeutic environment and the engaging nature of video games make it an excellent place to form deep, meaningful friendships.

How Can I Make Friends as an Introvert?

Making friends online can be particularly appealing to introverts, who may find the virtual environment less intimidating than face-to-face interactions. If you’re an introvert, consider starting with text-based communication, which allows you to express yourself at your own pace. 

Platforms like forums, Discord, and online communities can be ideal for this. Gradually, as you become more comfortable, you can explore other forms of communication, such as voice or video chat.

Find Your People With Hero Journey Club

If you’re looking for a unique and supportive online community, consider joining Hero Journey Club. Our virtual support groups, led by therapists, offer a safe and welcoming environment within popular video games. 

Whether you’re seeking personal growth or simply looking to connect with others who understand your journey, Hero Journey Club provides a space where meaningful friendships can flourish.

Sources:

Online Etiquette: 14 Netiquette Rules Online Students Should Know | Potomac

Introversion and Social Engagement: Scale Validation, Their Interaction, and Positive Association With Self-Esteem | PMC

Defend Your Data: Be cautious of sharing personal data when using social media | West Virginia University

Online learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: Mixed methods analysis of student views by demographic group | PMC