Connecting with close friends online: A qualitative analysis of young adults’ perceptions of online and offline social interactions with friends

Despite recognition that the internet is a critical context for friendships among youth, little known about whether young adults perceive differences in their interactions with close friends across online and offline (i.e., face-to-face) settings. The current study sought to address this gap by qualitatively investigating adults’ perceptions of how social differ contexts. A large sample Australian (N = 687; 59.8% female; Mage 19.45 years, SD 2.07) were recruited study. overall corpus data analyzed included 672 responses open-ended question: “How do you think your compared them face-to-face)?” Analyses identified 567 participants who perceived difference between contexts these subject thematic analyses. Two themes identified: Features Affordances Online Contexts (including control, non-verbal cues, accessibility), Nature Interactions depth, intimacy, value interactions). findings highlight potential individual characteristics shape experiences are discussed light implications friendship closeness digital era.