I've been wondering for years now, what is the difference between hanging out irl, and a chat room, or Facebook, or whatever? Not trying to be rude, but I just

I've been wondering for years now, what is the difference between hanging out irl, and a chat room, or Facebook, or whatever? Not trying to be rude, but I just don't get how talking to your friends in meat space is socializing, but talking to your friends on the phone is a distraction? I agree with you on the sheltered thing.