How to Find Real Friends Online (Not Bots)

You want to make real connections, not chat with robots or fake accounts. In the world of online friendship, knowing how to spot the difference between a genuine person and a bot (or scammer) is a superpower.

This guide will help you identify signs of authenticity, ask the right questions, and spend your time building friendships with real people who actually want to get to know you.

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Quick signs a profile is real

Before you even say hello, take a look at their profile. Real people usually have profiles that look lived-in and unique.

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Good first messages that get real replies

Bots often send generic greetings. Standing out with a genuine message encourages real people to reply.

“I see you like [Interest from bio]. What's your favorite thing about it?”
“That photo of [Place/Activity] is cool! Is that recent?”
“I'm also a fan of [Musician/Band]. Have you heard their new album?”
“Your bio made me laugh. I also [Shared Experience/Trait]!”
“What's the best movie you've seen lately? I need recommendations.”

Asking a specific question shows you actually read their profile, which bots rarely do.

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How to avoid fake/spam behavior

Sometimes it's not about the profile, but how they act. Here's how to spot fake behavior early:

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When to move off-app

Moving to another platform (like Snapchat, Discord, or Instagram) is a common step in online friendship, but don't rush it.

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What to do if something feels off

Your gut instinct is your best defense system. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

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Stop replying — You don't owe anyone a response. If the conversation feels weird, just stop.
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Block them — Don't wait. Use the block feature to prevent them from contacting you again.
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Report suspicious accounts — Help keep the community safe. If you think it's a bot or fake, report it so moderators can check.
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Tell a trusted adult — If someone made you feel unsafe or threatened, tell a parent or guardian immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Look for specific details in their bio, natural-looking photos, and consistency in what they say. Real people have unique opinions and don't always reply instantly with generic text.
Instant generic replies, refusing to answer specific questions, asking for money, or trying to move you to another app immediately are common signs of bots or fakes.
No. You don't need to prove yourself by sharing private photos. A real friend will verify you through conversation and time, not by demanding photos.
Only move off the app when you feel 100% comfortable and have chatted long enough to trust them. There is no rush. Real friends will respect your timeline.
This is a major red flag (scam). Never send money or gift cards to someone you met online. Block and report them immediately.
It can be hard to tell for sure. Look for maturity levels that match their age, and consistency in stories about school or life. If they seem too old or too young, trust your gut and be safe.
Ask a specific, random question like "what did you have for breakfast?" or "what's the color of your room?". If they ignore it or give a weird answer, it might be a bot. You can stop replying.
You can report users directly from their profile on Zupp. Look for the shield icon or the three dots menu to find the report option.

Start making real friends

Zupp is designed to help you find genuine people and build authentic friendships. Download now and see the difference.

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