What's wrong with meeting friends online as opposed to in person.
Some of them I will be visiting shortly in the summer.
Some of them are also incredibly good as a friend, and heck 2-3 of them are even better than my real life friends. I'd rather talk to them all night, than chillax with "homies".
Nonetheless, as Apex said. I connect better with people online. I'm very shy in real life and find it hard to make the move in getting to know someone. Still quite shy online, but at least It's easier to send a message - regret it - and then wait for the answer.