Do Online Relationships Count???

In a recent "Room for Debate" question, debaters were asked whether relationships online can be considered real. In other words, do the friendships that we make online count? One debater, Jazmine Hughes, gave a quick anecdote through her personal experience of online relationships. She explained how, one day, she was at the bookstore when she began to talk to another girl. They later became friends and have kept in touch through Facebook. Their online connection allowed for them to connect, both emotionally and mentally, even though they miles from each other. On the other hand, making "friends" online can be a dangerous thing. For example, people can become victims of catfishing, which is when a person lies about their age, gender, or appearance etc.

Personally, I don't believe that real relationships can be forged through the screen. People need face-to-face conversations and be able to connect to people's real emotions and expressions, and not just their emojis.