It's not inconsistent to be a loner and still communicate online. Actually, it's right up our alley. Most of being a loner, i.e. Introvert, is needing to conserve and replenish the energy drained by in-person social interaction--and most of that drain is caused by the interruptions and other pressures that make processing information and formating a response difficult. This is just how our brain chemistry works. It's what sets us apart from Extroverts.

Most Introverts are deeply analytical and reflective thinkers, who really do enjoy communicating but are not drawn to small talk. We are careful communicators--in our conversation as well as our writing we are always "editing" for concision, and we hate having our focus jerked around by interruptions. We tend to prefer written conversation to face-to-face or telephone talk, and as I tell people all the time, "Write to me or leave me alone, because I can't process my thoughts fast enough to keep up with your interruptions and interrogations!"

The internet is about the best thing that's ever happened for Introverts.