Why would an Online Friend for over five years

Maybe they're shy, or they just don't think their appearance is something that is important especially since it's online and a platonic relationship. For some it's strange, i know.. but for others it might make absolutely perfect sense. I am saying this because i ACTUALLY did this lol. I never showed my best friend what i looked like for almost 6 years but had described myself and they thought i was a catfish until one day i just ended up popping on my cam. i just had to do it when i was personally comfortable, not when i was pushed or pressured to do it.

That being said, that does NOT mean that the situation you are writing about is the same, they could be lying, not have a camera, unattractive in actuality or just in their own eyes. so many reasons. who knows. i'd just ask them straight up. But i always told people why i didn't do it.

I think you've named all the reasons. I can't think of anything else.

Appreciate the feedback. I did ask many times and never really got a straight answer. I never pushed (too hard)! Five plus years is a long time though. I found it very strange.

Perhaps they just don't see the need if it's an online friendship.

Hmmm.. trying to protect their identity in real life, for privacy reasons? Did they give you a reason why they won't?

Have they seen yours?

They could just want the anonymity/privacy.

They could want to just interact without all of the superficial elements.

They could need it this way to maintain distance.

Any of these reasons.