So he’s never even talked to them online, but he’s in love with them? No, he’s in love with their online persona. That’s a parasocial relationship and that’s not healthy.

That's not romantic love, that is a parasocial relationship. On the other end of that coin, a cautious person won't trust the vibes of someone coming at them from that direction. (Much like what happened here)

People can latch onto many things that give them those positive feelers, but it's critical to not drown in those affections. Hope your buddy bounces back from that, maybe they need to get out more.

If you don't actually know someone in person, you can't actually be in love with them. You're just in love with that presentation of them.

He didn't love her, he loved her cosplay act.

No. Love could be communicated at minimum as text message.

We are hurtling towards a societal incel pit and idk what can stop it. Good lord

Is that what actually happened though or did he say that?

what no! are you nuts. don't do that.