In today’s times, video games have a bad reputation. Some think they’re nothing but a distraction from school or work. Yet, what these people don’t see is a million opportunities for friendship in these digital worlds.
“I’ve made friends with so many people over games,” senior Colin McGuire said. “Like one of my best friends, Aiden. I’ve only met him in person once but we talk all the time.”
Digital connections can be just as valuable as physical connections. Some people can even form relationships online that they would consider to be like any other friendship they might have.
“The only difference between him and my other friends is that I don’t hang out with him in person,” McGuire said. “He probably knows just as much if not more about me.”
Talking through a screen doesn’t make the conversation any less sincere. Sometimes, it’s even easier to open up to someone and share your feelings with someone when you aren’t face to face.
“There are some things I’d feel more comfortable sharing online than in person,” Mason Hof said. “They have no ties to my real life.”
Some don’t have to be in the same room to feel comfortable with someone. Talking through voice chat can make it feel like they’re actually with them.
“I mean it started with my friend introducing me to him,” McGuire said. “Now, we talk almost every day.”
Some of the strongest and most long-lasting friendships came from a simple message or game invite. It’s not how the relationship began that counts, it’s the friendship itself.
“He’s a really cool guy,” Hof said, in reference to his online friend. “It’s like, he’s too close to just be online.”
