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While the Internet brings people closer together, it also harms friendships.
Firstly, talking online can't face-to-face contact. According to a parenting expert, Denise Daniels, communicating through a screen makes it harder for children to concentrate or show kindness to others. As we know, important social skills, which enable us to develop lifelong friendships, are developed direct contact with others.
Secondly, the Internet makes people self-centered. For example, instead of communicating with their friends, some are only with their online popularity―the number of "likes" or followers, which we know can't compare to having long-term and rewarding friendships. Besides, much of the posted on social media does not have a lot of significant value. Posts about funny cat images can't help form meaningful relationships.
Thirdly, online relationships may not be as they appear. Friendships are built based on, and with online communication you can't be certain that the people you are chatting to are being honest about their identities. Therefore, going online can be dangerous for people who are easily influenced or too trusting of strangers.
I think the best way to maintain healthy relationships is to more on face-to-face communication, and less on online communication.
