With Friendship Day approaching, a survey conducted by Indian dating website QuackQuack reveals a new trend of how to be a "best friend" in 2025: online friendships that grow on regular texting and socializing at the expense of real get-togethers.
According to the survey, conducted by Indian dating app QuackQuack across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities with a sample base of 8,500 across populations in the 18 to 40 years bracket, nearly 2 out of every 7 Indians have met a close friend on dating apps, and maintain these relationships mainly through messages and chats online. This shift indicates how online connection is altering deeper, more meaningful platonic relationships beyond the traditional romance prospects.
Women, and especially those residing in small towns, are more inclined than men to form solely platonic friendships online. Approximately 60% of women users admitted to forming such app-based friendships over just 20% of men, who are interested in focusing on romance. The restricted social life and busy life schedules of women render online websites a convenient platform to find like-minded companions without much effort.
Adults aged 18-25 years are the largest fan base of this "textationship" trend, with 27% admitting to frequent, platonic chat friendships on the Internet. Millennials are second, with over 15% stating that they are more connected to online friends than to child friends, especially for those who relocated for work or school.
By busy lives, social burnout, and constant moves," explains Ravi Mittal, CEO and founder of QuackQuack, "many simply don't have the energy for high-effort friendships. Internet friendship offers a low-effort, high-reward substitute for connection and support."
In today’s digital age, friendship no longer requires proximity or constant physical interaction. While classic friendships remain invaluable, virtual connections provide a fresh, accessible way to build meaningful relationships around the clock. This Friendship Day, whether through a screen or in person, it’s clear that connection, no matter the medium, is what truly counts.
Celebrate Friendship Day 2025 by reaching out to your new and old friends, both online and offline, and cherish the evolving ways we support and care for each other.