Joanne Harris the author has studied virtual friendships..
her quote
"These online communities have people who fall out bitterly.people who ignore each other.or confide in ways they don't even confide to their best friends in real life"

she writes that she spent too much time on line hanging about various sites and searching out even more ingenious ways of evading reality.her words not mine

from her visiting several communities (sites) ignognitio she has written a book..a dark pyscological thriller..

only time and research will allow many to make an assesment.
I agree with Joanne Harris..people do ignore each other..

look out for her book..Blue eyed boy.