None
Mainly the fact that we share a very specific interest in a TV show, movie, celebrity, band, etc. We don’t have to tone down our love for whatever the subject is as we would with our “real life” friends.
Anonymity so you can tell them anything, it seems like there’s no consequences because they’re not a direct player in your real life and knowing they have the choice to easily leave if they didn’t want to talk to you makes you feel safe knowing that they do want to talk to you
perspective , less awkward, as i can think about what to say
Less pressure for commitment
sharing and discussing some common interests that offline friends do not necessarily have
Creative stimulation, and a way to communicate through written language and with lots of pauses.
closer in mutual interests
Emotional support, engagement in discussion, online activities
Emotional support, spending time together, similar interests, playing games together
They’re available more frequently, and I feel like there is a better connection
I can keep a certain distance if needed. If something goes wrong, there will be no IRL repercussions. I also don't have to deal with awkward body language or speech impediments.
We're all autistic.
less pressure to save face, since they only know me online, I feel like they don't judge me as harshly.
Limitless online interactivity, worldly perspectives, common hobbies
Its easier to come meet on discord for example in the evening than going out and meeting people in real life
no difference
They are generally more likely to share my interests and worldviews than offline friends, which makes them easier to talk to in-depth about topics that interest me.
I feel like I am more often able to express myself clearly around them because we usually speak in ways that allow for more time to get my thoughts in order (i.e. private/instant messaging).
They don't provoke the same kind of anxiety offline friends can at times - do I look OK, is my house clean enough, etc.
They offer perspectives I don't have access to offline. For instance, my current online friend group includes a 50 year old man who was born in the Soviet Union and a teenage girl attending university in Germany. I almost never interact with those age groups or nationalities offline.
Later conversations when I can’t sleep
Always there, may keep 'strange hours' that IRL friends do not