A strong thesis statement for the topic of whether online friendships are as important as in-person friendships should present a clear argument that reflects your perspective, while also hinting at the supporting points you will discuss in your paper. Here’s an example:
"While online friendships provide essential emotional support and foster connections that transcend geographical boundaries, in-person friendships offer unique benefits such as physical presence and shared experiences that are crucial for deeper emotional bonds, ultimately highlighting that both forms of relationships play vital but distinct roles in our social lives."
This thesis statement presents a balanced view by acknowledging the importance of both types of friendships and sets the stage for exploring the nuances of each in the body of the paper.