For Master, it was easier talking to an online friend, as he feels there is far less judgement involved. One also gets to interact with individuals from different cultures and states with similar interests, which is otherwise difficult. “We have not met in person yet, I don’t know if it would even be possible for us. We usually get on a video call if we really do feel like it,” he says. 

“During the pandemic, as online platforms were the only means of communication, extroverts were forced to isolate themselves. For them, making friends online acted as a solution to their gritty situation,” explains psychologist Hvovi Bhagwagar. “We can see that such friendships are intact even though everything around us is opening up. That is because they are more convenient, and you have the option of protecting your anonymity.” Bhagwagar’s points are reflected in statistics as well. Facebook and Instagram were among the most downloaded apps in 2020, according to the Business of Apps.  Facebook had 2.85 billion monthly active users as of the first quarter of 2021, compared to 2.6 billion during the first quarter of 2020, while Instagram went from 1 billion monthly active users in the first quarter of 2020 to 1.07 billion monthly active users as of the first quarter of 2021. Twitter grew from 186 million users to 199 million users since the pandemic started, according to Twitter’s first quarter earnings report.

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A cross-country friendship began during the pandemic when Kritika, 25, from Germany, commented on Mumbaikar Bhakti Papnoi’s Instagram story The pair, who had studied in the same school, had never crossed paths during their time there. “We quickly realised how much we had in common from sports to everything else. As the lockdown restrictions became gruesome, especially in Germany, we found solace in each other’s company online,’’ says Papnoi. “In my experience, making a friend online felt easier as it is a space where you can be yourself without any hesitation,” she adds. 

Living in different time zones has not hindered their friendship which began in August 2020 and is still thriving on Instagram. Their conversation involves updating each other about college life, and talking about climate change, and lockdowns.