As most of us would probably agree, a loss is a loss.

Who has invested time in something/someone online and felt a loss?

I know a lot of people won't want to answer this honestly because we know "online" isn't real life, and there is a stigma as far as taking it too seriously.

I will volunteer to go first. I have lost a friend of over 4 years online. And it is a very difficult thing for me.