I personally have local friends, and friends that don't live nearby. Many of my friends are members of the DIS, but that doesn't make them any less "real". I depend on both for support and I in turn support them.
Why is support or caring more "real" if it is between people in the same town? My best friend lives far away, but we support each other. Or is it just because DIS friends often are only cyber friends that you've never met? I've met several charming people through the DIS, in person, and I considered them my friends before and after we actually met in person.
I think it's better for someone who has few friends use a BB as their "main support in life" than to continue with no support at all. But I don't agree that is what most of us on the CB are about. I consider the people here to be part of a family. I may not like all of them or agree with them, but I do care about them. I like to hear when one of my friends is having a rough time so I can say something that might brighten their day. I think insinuating that that means you are needy or desperate for friends is uncalled for.