[golergka]

False dichotomy. It's not a choice between connecting in-person and via app; it's a choice between connecting with particular person via app or not spending time with them in any way.

[mlevental]

what percentage of people that you keep in touch with over social media that aren't in your immediate vicinity?

[fwn]

In my case that's roughly 10 people. The only one I regularly see and hold strong online conversations with is my girlfriend.

This is probably true for of most people not living in their hometown or having connections through college or work.

[lfowles]

I regularly keep in touch with quite a few coworkers that have moved away. Not to mention college friends who all went their separate ways.

[golergka]

Most of them. Best case, it's a friend that I would see every second weekend or so, but chat with and comment every day.