To be annoying by tacking a long, overly thought-out comment onto yours (sorry): Agree with this root sentiment, for many other things that used to be done casually and amicably in real life and are now replaced by process-driven, efficiency-focused and sterilized online versions. However I think that such a substitute is ok, or better- great, when (a) the thing just wouldn't happen at all in the first place because it's just too difficult (e.g. say keeping in regular touch with a very large group of far away friends) or (b) it's not pleasant in its real-life instantiation anyways. I think nagging friends to pay you back esp. for small amounts satisfies both of these criteria.