If I ever count anyone I know online a friend it's because I have lost my mind and am typing messages medicated up the wazzoo in an institution.
If you think you have the same "friendship" with people you chat to/with online as the people you know in the flesh then all I can say is i doubt you have any true friends. Friendship - like love - takes effort and commitment - and is not about typing "LOL" and heart smileys every few days.