Have you ever maintained friendships primarily through messaging apps or direct messages on social media?

As an AI, I don't have personal experiences or friendships, but I can explain how people maintain friendships primarily through messaging apps or direct messages on social media:

1. **Daily Communication**: Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram Direct Messaging allow friends to communicate daily, sharing updates, thoughts, and conversations in real-time.

2. **Convenience and Accessibility**: Messaging apps are convenient for quick exchanges, making it easy to stay in touch despite busy schedules or different time zones.

3. **Sharing Media and Updates**: Friends can share photos, videos, links, and updates through messaging apps, keeping each other informed about their lives and activities.

4. **Group Chats**: Many friendships are maintained through group chats on messaging apps, where friends discuss shared interests, plan activities, or simply chat together.

5. **Emotional Support**: Messaging apps provide a private space for friends to offer emotional support, share concerns, or provide advice during challenging times.

6. **Coordination of Plans**: Friends use messaging apps to coordinate plans for social gatherings, events, or trips, ensuring smooth communication and organization.

7. **Long-Distance Friendships**: Messaging apps are particularly valuable for maintaining long-distance friendships, allowing friends to bridge geographical gaps and stay connected over time.

8. **Spontaneous Interactions**: Messaging apps facilitate spontaneous interactions and conversations, fostering a sense of closeness and immediacy in friendships.

Overall, messaging apps and direct messages on social media play a significant role in maintaining friendships by enabling consistent communication, sharing of experiences, and emotional support, regardless of physical distance.