Mastering the Art of Making Friends Online Experts at Reddit and Bumble
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Honesty in Your Online Profile Can Lead to Deeper Connections
“The bio ‘pizza and travel’ cannot possibly contain the multitude that is you. It’s tempting to keep things general when you describe yourself online, but that impulse could hold you back. Giving more info up front about who you are and what you’re looking for makes it easier to spark connections. Use bios or introductory posts to tell people what you’re into and why you’re on the app.
Maybe you want a Friday-night-mocktail buddy or an EDM-concert partner or a phone-call friend. It can be scary to label ourselves and our intentions, but go ahead and rip off that Band-Aid, Bayard Jackson said. It’ll make things easier.”
— Danielle Bayard Jackson, friendship expert at social app Bumble
Why Specificity Matters in Online Forums and Groups
“Specificity also helps if you’re trying to connect with people who share your interests. Why join a ‘board games’ or ‘K-pop’ forum when you can jump straight to ‘Catan’ or ‘Seventeen’?”
“Interest-based forums are also a good starting point for people who want more friends but aren’t interested in app-powered matchmaking. The faster you transition from lurking to posting, the quicker you’ll make new connections.”
— Laura Nestler, vice president of community at Reddit
Embracing the Unknown: How Curiosity Can Lead to Deeper Connections
“Different friends fill different needs, so no worries if somebody isn’t checking your ‘must-have’ boxes. Instead, get curious about them, ask questions and pay attention to how your time together feels. You may find a point of connection you didn’t originally see. Balance asking questions with sharing details from your own life. It can be hard to figure out how much self-disclosure is the right amount, so be patient with yourself.”
— Danielle Bayard Jackson, friendship expert at social app Bumble
Adapted from: The Washington Post, “Meeting friends online is normal. Here’s how to do it.” by Tatum Hunter
