These days, you do not have to live close to your friends to keep in touch and have a rewarding relationship. There are many ways to keep in touch online that allow you to enjoy spending quality time together, even if you are on the other side of the country. Here are a few of the best ways to stay in touch with your friends online so that you can find fun and meaningful ways to maintain your relationships.
1. Schedule Regular Video Catch-Ups
Video calls have been normalised since the pandemic, particularly with platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp. Video calls can be a great way to keep in touch with loved ones as you can maintain an emotional connection, share life updates, and schedule themed meet-ups like cooking or book chats. Recent findings on digital inclusion have found that access to home broadband and mobile data has steadily improved across the UK, which makes video calls accessible for all.
2. Play Online Games Together
These days, many people enjoy playing online games like the top slot games together, as these can be a fun way to spend time with a loved one. Cooperative online gaming – whether casual titles or console/PC games – boosts teamwork, shared goals, and regular interaction.
3. Join or Create a Virtual Interest Group
Online groups have become hugely popular in recent years, such as book clubs, film communities, and gardening circles. These groups encourage weekly connections and shared learning, such as growing herbs or veggie seeds together via photo updates. These groups can help people feel like part of a community without even having to leave the house.
4. Use Messaging Apps with Interactive Elements
Apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Slack can be used for much more than basic messaging. These apps support polls, quizzes, and avatar/chat emojis to add levity and emotional nuance to conversations and reduce digital miscommunication.
5. Get Involved in Social Media or Avatar-Based Communities
Avatar worlds and online forums can offer immersive, social-support spaces and are growing in popularity. UK academic research shows that avatar communication delivers richer support and more stable friendships than plain text, so these can be valuable spaces for emotional support and entertainment.
These are five of the best ways to stay in touch with your friends online. These days, it is easier than ever to maintain relationships, even if you are on the other side of the world. Whether catching up on a Zoom call, playing a cooperative online game together, taking part in a virtual interest group, using interactive elements on messaging apps, or taking part in avatar-based communities, you can maintain strong relationships and enjoy one another’s company without leaving the house.