I don't so much see them as computers and not people. It's just that it's the internet. People can claim whatever they want, in many different regards, but there is no action behind it, there is no skin in the game. It's a place without consequence and no demand, for the most part, I guess outside of like, death threats and such. So it's good to be realistic and understand that the chances of making an actual friend are extremely low (not impossible, but extremely low), the chances you will be lied to in various ways are extremely high, and that it's mostly just a huge buffet of ideas, opinions, discussions, expressions, entertainment, information, etc. Becoming emotionally invested has a high risk factor but rarely does it translate into much if any value. Trying to put out good vibes, input, information, ideas, perspectives, etc is great and adds to the buffet, but to be emotionally invested is just not strategic for one's mental health IMO.