Here's a story I promised from a recent event in my life. It has online friends I've never met as heroes.

I was recently deported from London England as a visa overstayer. They flew me to Los Angeles with the clothes on my back and 3 British sterling in my pocket. I'm not from there so there I was a homeless man in California.

Alone I walked all night keeping on the move. I just had my security blanket ripped off me so yes, I was afraid and totally disorientated.
My phone was dead from me trying wifi leaks near homes and apartments.
After 24 hours I was able to get just enough cash to get a charger for my phone from my bank card. I charged it at a laundromat that had wifi and presto a msg to my wife. Minutes later my gaming friends from PlayStation joined the chat.

I told them where I was and suddenly a young kid in a sports car pulls up and called my name, I have never seen or heard of this guy but he knew me and my ordeal.
Ten minutes later I was at a western union picking up pocket cash and two hours later I was at a bus station with a ticket to Ohio.
I'm staying with one of the gamers now that will eventually rent part of his home to me while I build up my bank account and prepare to go back.

So yes, I'm pretty sure you can become real friends will some people online.