What are Online Friendships exactly?

This phenomenon might not be unfamiliar; from Yubo to Bumble BFF, friend-finding platforms have surged in popularity since the pandemic, responding to a growing need for connection without the pressure of dating. Surveys show the shift is fundamental: over 1 in 3 Gen Z users have turned to dating apps to make platonic friends, and nearly 1 in 4 say friendship is now a primary reason for using these platforms (Pew Research, 2023). The shown results are evident and hard to neglect; young people are making one thing clear: they want genuine friendships and to find them online.

The Challenge: Navigating Online Social Spaces

Online platforms promise constant connection, but we often get confusion, burnout, and blurred boundaries. In general, finding friends online should be easy. Most apps are designed to match you with people based on location, shared interests, or compatibility. However, these spaces are often dominated by ambiguity, especially when distinguishing between romantic interest and platonic intent.

According to OnePulse’s 2021 survey, 35% of Gen Z users aged 16–24 reported using dating apps specifically to form platonic friendships. But the experience is far from ideal. Pew Research Center (2023) found that nearly 1 in 4 users of dating apps cited “making friends” as a significant reason for using them, highlighting the demand for social connection. However, most platforms still prioritize romantic matchmaking in both design and algorithm.

Beyond platform design, user behavior and emotional fatigue also create obstacles. For example, Gen Z is more likely than any previous generation to ghost others, often not out of malice but due to mental health struggles, anxiety, or emotional overload. A recent study by the Thriving Center of Psychology found that 77% of Gen Z admit to ghosting someone, with nearly a third citing emotional or psychological burnout as the reason.

This “soft exit” culture leads to a cycle: people want connection, but fearing rejection or inconsistency makes them hesitant to try again. Many users describe feeling like they’re stuck in a loop of low-effort DMs, one-sided convos, or immediate drop-offs after an initial match. The emotional result? Trust becomes harder. Vulnerability feels riskier. And the idea of meeting someone new online starts to feel less exciting—and more exhausting.

How to Make Friends on BeFriend: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding real friends online doesn’t have to feel awkward, performative, or risky. On BeFriend, we’re creating a space where platonic connection is the goal, not a byproduct. Whether you’re an extrovert looking to expand your circle or someone navigating loneliness in a new city, here’s how to start building meaningful friendships on BeFriend—no dating expectations attached.

1. Set Up Your Profile Authentically (But Comfortably)

Data shows that Gen Z craves authenticity—but only on their terms. That’s why BeFriend lets you control how much you want to share while encouraging honesty and respect. When signing up, you’ll be asked to input basic details like your gender, birthday, and interests. These help the algorithm recommend people who match your vibe, but you’re always free to skip or modify information later.

Reminder: We take user safety and comfort seriously. All profiles must follow our community guidelines and privacy policy. Misrepresentation or fake identities will result in removal, because real friendships start with trust.

2. Curate Your Profile Pictures with Personality

Unlike apps that prioritize polished selfies or swipe appeal, BeFriend encourages creative self-expression. Upload up to five photos, and make it fun: You can add filters, GIFs, stickers, or even link your Spotify profile to show off your music taste. Your profile is your vibe check—let people see you as you are.

Tip: Profiles with expressive photos and Spotify integration tend to receive more interactions, not because they’re “cooler” but because they feel more human.

3. Introduce Yourself with Depth (Not Perfection)

Your introduction is the first conversation before the first message. Instead of agonizing over what sounds “interesting,” speak like you’re talking to someone you trust. What are your favorite things to talk about? What type of friend are you hoping to meet? What makes your day better?

BeFriend also lets you add fun metadata like your zodiac sign, interests, or favorite emojis. These micro-details help others get a quick sense of who you are. And don’t stress—you can edit your profile anytime as your identity evolves.

4. Start Conversations That Go Beyond “Hey”

Once your profile is ready, your journey begins. You can explore potential matches based on shared interests, activity zones, or even music taste. But don’t wait to be approached—send a message when someone catches your attention.

💬 Instead of “hey,” try:

• “Saw that you’re into Studio Ghibli—have a favorite?”
• “What’s your go-to comfort song lately?”
• “Looking for people to chill with after work—what’s your ideal post-5 p.m. vibe?”

We’re not here for perfect openers. We’re here for genuine ones.

5. Connect Your Socials to Keep It Real (And Expand the Vibe)

BeFriend understands that friendships often outgrow the app. That’s why we let you link your social media—like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, or Discord—right on your profile. You control that transition if you want to move the conversation elsewhere or give others a broader sense of your world.

Important: Only share social media you’re comfortable connecting with. Your privacy matters, and you’re never obligated to share more than what feels safe.

6. Stay Consistent—Friendships Take Time

One of the biggest myths about online friendship is that it should feel instant. But just like offline relationships, the best ones take time to build. Reply when you can, check in, and celebrate the small stuff.

Many BeFriend users say their closest in-app connections didn’t start with deep conversations but consistent, kind exchanges that gradually built into trust.

7. Move Offline (If It Feels Right)

Some friendships might move into real life when you build a strong rapport. If so, practice safety:

• Meet in public places
• Let a friend know where you’re going
• Don’t feel pressured—platonic friendships don’t require urgency

Sometimes, the best friendships may never leave the app—and that’s okay, too. Proximity doesn’t equal authenticity.

Tips for Maximising Your BeFriend Experience

1. Be Open and Honest

It’s tempting to present a curated version of yourself online—but when it comes to friendship, realness matters more than polish.

According to a 2022 GWI report on Gen Z social behaviour, 55% of Gen Z users say they value authenticity over aesthetics in online spaces. They’re not looking for perfection—they’re looking for people who feel human. That means being honest about your interests, moods, and even your vulnerabilities.

Let BeFriend be a reflection of your actual self—not the one you think people want to see.

2. Stay Active—But Without the Pressure

Consistency matters more than intensity. Logging in regularly, even just to check your inbox or browse profiles, increases your chances of connecting with someone aligned with your interests. Friendship doesn’t usually happen overnight—it’s built in moments of small, consistent presence.

In fact, a Teen Vogue article on how Gen Z builds digital relationships emphasized that community apps are most meaningful when users “keep showing up, even if just to say hi or react to a post.” You don’t need to write essays—just showing you’re around can make others feel safe reaching out.

Set a rhythm that works for you. Friendship shouldn’t feel like a job—it should feel like coming home to people who get you.

3. Use Every Tool Available to Express Yourself

BeFriend isn’t just a messaging app. It’s a playground of personality. Use:

• Spotify integrations to share your music identity
• Profile pictures with filters or stickers to express your aesthetic
• Interest tags and zodiacs to signal who you are—without saying a word

The more fully you occupy your space, the more likely someone will feel invited into it.

According to Cosmopolitan’s coverage of digital friendships, users who personalize their profiles see more meaningful responses—not just more messages, but messages that actually lead somewhere.

4. Provide Feedback—Be Part of a Better Community

Your voice shapes this space. Whether you’ve had a beautiful exchange or an awkward encounter, sharing feedback helps BeFriend grow as a people-first, friendship-oriented community.

Think of BeFriend not just as a product but as a living, evolving ecosystem—built by you, for you. We’re constantly updating features, improving moderation, and rethinking what connection looks like in a post-dating-app world. Your insight helps us get there.

And yes, we do read the reviews.

Our Conclusion: Embracing Digital Friendships

We often hear that digital friendships are shallow and that online connections are fleeting. But the truth is—they’re exactly what we make of them. The pandemic showed us that connection isn’t about location. It’s about intention. Hence, we may say this: BeFriend is beyond a friend-making app—it’s a movement toward safer, kinder, and more expressive social spaces. 

Ready to connect?

A space for real friendships —no pressure, no pretending.