Internet friends are not the same as real-life friends, but they satisfy a similar desire. Internet friends can be as authentic, supportive, and validating as real friends. In fact, during the pandemic, many turned to online connections and communities to socialize and connect with others. And despite the negative impact that the pandemic caused for some people, robust online connections were resilient to the negative impacts, and people started to push more for online interactions. However, there are also major factors that are missing from online connections such as a lack of physical affection that real friends can provide.