I am sure most people come to this site to meet new people and make friends. One of the most awkward questions I get asked when I have just met a person is... Can we be friends? or Will you be my friend? For me friendship takes time to develop and you can't just call a person you just met a friend right? Also I would say 90% of the time when someone asks that I never speak to them again.
I have a few "true" friends I have known for many years IRL and online. Weeks/months can go by with no contact and then when we to talk its like we never stopped talking. I like to think I have made many friends here and also a lot of acquaintances.
What is the difference, for you, between an acquaintance and a friend or "true" friend? Can you have real friends you meet online? I like to think you can :)