Anonymity, easier to be honest
They are very caring and empathetic. IRL friends just don’t look out for me and show as much support as online friends do.
Spaces to vent, sharing ideas and interacting over material we both enjoy
At the time, my online friends were part of a fandom that no one I knew IRL was in so I could talk to them about the youtubers I was obsessed with
Honest acceptance and criticism, clear communication
Perspectives from different cultures, less judgment, different time zones
They're often more in tune with my interests
convenience (no need to travel, etc)
Versatile time to talk, easier to find people with similar interests
a more distanced view on certain issues
More in common/easier conversation
uncommon shared interests, deeper relationships
Being there for me 24/7, not having drama with my not online friends
they exist
Theyre easier to hang with irl
Nothing specific
Easy flow of conversation because there's no visual cues stopping me from taking my time with answers.
Nothing different
They don't trigger my extreme anxiety, so I am able to actually connect to them
Enjoy the same games