Real humans as well. Not anonymous online commentators (including HN), not comedians/politicians/writers/authors who have no idea you exist, or TV characters people get invested in. Probably not even therapists, who wouldn't give you the time of day if you weren't paying them to.

The truth is, just about everyone is using some sort of a substitute for real friends at this point.

1000%. I should have stated this and I am glad you did. Could not have said it better.