{"id":21732,"date":"2019-06-11T13:53:50","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T21:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=21732"},"modified":"2022-04-13T12:25:43","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T20:25:43","slug":"5-tips-to-successfully-make-friends-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/5-tips-to-successfully-make-friends-online\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Successfully Make Friends Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Despite the interconnectedness of our modern, digital world, loneliness is a growing problem for many Americans. Recent research on the subject indicates that one out of every five people reports regularly feeling alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the factors contributing to the rise in feelings of isolation is an increase in the number of remote workers. More employers have adopted increasingly liberal work-from-home policies in recent years and, while widely viewed as one of the most attractive work-related perks out there, working from home tends to impact their employees\u2019 abilities to socialize in the way that humans need to in order to be happy. Like chimps, dolphins, and elephants, humans are social creatures – most of us need to be part of a group in order to feel a sense of belonging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another challenge is that people often meet new friends through current friends. About 62 percent of those surveyed have between two and five close friends yet would like to feel more connected. However, if we don\u2019t already have a large pool of friends to draw from, it reduces the chances that we will meet others this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s understandable that you may have some skepticism about making friends online, but we\u2019ve reached a point as a society where we have no qualms about using dating apps – why shouldn\u2019t we also be able to meet new friends online too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Where can you find friends online?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several apps and websites that can help connect you to others. Mobile apps like Bumble BFF, Friender and Hey! VINA are similar to dating apps but rather than looking for love, users search for friendship. These apps are user-friendly and highly intuitive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can start out by creating a profile and listing a few interests or hobbies you have. Then you can search for others with similar likes or those who live in your geographical area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook has also enhanced its design and offers users a way to search out people close to them with similar interests. You can search for events in your area or locate ways to get involved in community activities. Facebook groups and now Facebook Local are other good ways to find new friends online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meetup.com is a great place to connect with others. The platform lists events, groups or meetings that are happening in cities and other areas around the world. You can search based on geographic area as well as for those with the same interests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0How should you choose whom to contact?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In order to get the most out of friendship apps or websites, you\u2019ll need to build a good profile. This includes a user name and a small write up about you that will show off your personality and make others want to find out more about you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing to consider is creating a user name that you can use on all the sites and apps. This will help you avoid confusion by simplifying your account details over several platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing about yourself can seem intimidating at first but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Just focus on a few of your favorite personality traits and keep it positive while creating a simple and brief introduction into who you are and what you are looking for in a potential friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to add some good-quality photos so people can see you smiling and being happy. Images can also show off things you like to do so try to include action shots.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to keep in mind when you are searching for a friend online is to look for someone who appears to be honest in their profile and uses positive language. If someone is using too many negative words in their write up it\u2019s likely that they won\u2019t be someone you want to spend your time with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How should you start a conversation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Creating the initial contact can seem intimidating. It\u2019s not always easy to start a conversation with someone when you\u2019re staring at a screen rather than their face. If you\u2019re feeling some anxiety in this department, try to consider the fact that by being brave enough to start the conversation, you may also be taking the first step towards a meaningful, long-lasting friendship. Hopefully this gives you the courage and motivation you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips for getting started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n