Lots of people in Sociale arrived for a quick chat and stayed for the people. Online friendships can be just as real as the ones at school or at work. They simply start in a different way. Here are some honest tips to go from “who is this?” to “see you tonight in the chat!”.

Start with a simple hello

You don’t need a perfect opening line. A “hi everyone, how is your evening going?” works better than you think. Say hello when you enter, say goodbye when you leave: people start to recognise you, and recognition is the first step towards friendship.

Be curious about others

Ask questions and actually read the answers. Where are they from? What music are they listening to? What are they doing this weekend? People remember who showed interest in them. And when someone asks about you, tell them something real.

Be yourself (really)

It’s tempting to play a character online, but friendships built on a fake version of you don’t last. Your sense of humour, your opinions, even your bad days are what make you someone worth knowing.

Come back often

Friendship needs time. Being in the room regularly, even for a short chat, matters more than one long night every few months. That’s one of the reasons we created the Sociale Card: a small daily check-in, a quiz, a poll. Little habits that bring you back to the people you like.

Take part in events

Nothing breaks the ice like playing together. Contests, games and theme nights give you something to talk about and someone to cheer for. Check the events page, and if you have an idea for a new one, send it to the staff.

Respect goes both ways

Real friends don’t pressure each other. If someone doesn’t want to chat in private, doesn’t answer, or wants to change the subject, that’s fine. The room rules about mutual respect are not just for the public chat. They are a good guide for private conversations too.

Stay safe while you make friends

  • Never share your passwords, not even with a friend, and never use your xat password on other websites.
  • Take your time before sharing personal details like your address, phone number or where you study or work.
  • If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, stop the conversation and tell a member of the staff.

Friendship online is simple: show up, be kind, be yourself. The rest happens on its own. See you in Sociale!