I agree with you 100% that being alone is way better than having fake or malicious friends.

That said, we are social creatures and we all do need meaningful, fulfilling and tender interaction with fellow humans. We just have to find the right friends.

Please don't get offended, I just want to make this grim topic a bit brighter: Being lonely wouldn't be a big deal to me neither, if I could upvote myself with $1.16! 😂