Over 70% of Japanese children have online friends.
Children are increasingly forming friendships online through games and social media, similar to traditional playground interactions.
Meeting friends has leveled up, and kids today are just as likely to team up online as they are at the playground. A survey showed over 70% of Japanese kids have at least one online friend, reflecting how the Internet is part of their daily grind. It’s now normal to connect with people, even if they’re 1 to 3 years older, thanks to shared interests like hobbies and games.
But hey, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A huge 81.9% of those surveyed have shared personal info with online pals—like age and location. Thankfully, most kids recognize the risks: about 90% haven’t met their online friends in real life, responding with “it’s scary” when asked about meeting up. As friendships evolve, kids find a balance between connecting freely and staying cautious with their online relationships. Just remember, a little Wi-Fi doesn’t change the core of friendship, it just adds a new layer to it!
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