4 ways to keep in touch with friends online

The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with others, from close family to colleagues.

11:20 28 February 2024

The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with others, from close family to colleagues. This helps us to maintain important relationships from anywhere in the world, no matter how busy our schedules might be.
Explore these ways to keep in touch with friends online to make your virtual interaction as meaningful and entertaining as your in-person meet-ups.

Social networking
In just 25 years, social networking has graduated from one dedicated platform to the development of the metaverse where a combination of apps support digital living. At its core, however, its purpose is the same – to enable users to connect with anyone, anywhere.
Once just a means for instant messaging, social media developments now allow users to communicate via calls and voice notes and to send photos and videos for more human interaction.

Regular activities
Keeping up with people individually isn’t too taxing, but it can be hard to organise group get-togethers online. Scheduling regular activities encourages people to build socialising sessions into their routine and improves the likelihood of everyone being available at the same time.
Having an activity as the foundation of your meeting also gives it a greater purpose, leading to higher engagement and more quality time bonding over shared interests.
You could organise a gaming competition and challenge each other to friendly or competitive matches or participate in a round of online bingo or other games with an active digital community. Other ideas include creating a quiz with a tailored theme or watching one of your favourite films together.

Video chat
Seeking a more authentic experience? Video chat is the best way to replicate in-person interaction online. Seeing facial reactions as well as hearing someone’s voice can make you feel physically as well as digitally linked, combatting feelings of loneliness and strengthening your connections.
With most portable digital technology such as laptops, tablets and smartphones now fitted with cameras and a host of services connecting video calls, video chats are easier than ever to arrange. 

Personalised gifts
As well as using the internet to power conversation and collaborative games, you can also use it to send personalised gifts to show your family and friends how much you care.
The best digital and virtual gifts include e-cards celebrating a special occasion or e-vouchers that can be exchanged for credit at one of their favourite shops and a membership based on their preferences.

You could also combine the digital with the physical by using online delivery services to send presents to people’s homes rather than their inboxes. Gift baskets are a popular option as they can include food, toiletries and other luxuries tailored exactly to the likes and dislikes of the recipient.