The Rise of Online Friendships: Young Adults Combat Loneliness

The pandemic has exacerbated feelings of loneliness among young adults, leading many to turn to online platforms and apps to make new friends. From Discord chatrooms to Reddit boards to matchmaking apps like Bumble, these platforms provide opportunities for young adults to connect and form platonic relationships. However, seeking friends openly on these platforms still carries a stigma, as actively pursuing friendships as an adult is often seen as embarrassing. Despite this, the accessibility of making friends online has driven many young adults to overcome their reservations and seek companionship through digital means.