Connecting with people online can feel daunting, but it's actually an effective way to build relationships and improve your life. The key is to focus on making friends rather than trying to advance your career through networking. To do this, start by complimenting people's work or sharing interesting information, responding to their questions, and being funny when the opportunity arises. Don't try to insert yourself into conversations or argue with people you barely know online. Instead, aim to be a "good hang" - someone who adds value to the conversation and makes the internet a better place. Over time, this will lead to online friendships that are just like in-person ones, and can even help you find job opportunities through connections with others.