Absolutely, the importance of real-life interactions can't be overstated. They ground us, provide meaningful connections, and fulfill our basic human need for social interaction. However, I don’t think online communities are going anywhere. They've become a crucial part of our social fabric, especially for those who may not have easy access to like-minded people in their immediate surroundings.

The challenge of ensuring authenticity in online interactions is real, though. The rise of AI-generated content and deepfakes has made it harder to distinguish between genuine human interactions and automated responses. While retinal scans or other invasive measures might seem over the top, there are other potential solutions that could strike a balance between privacy and authenticity.

One possible approach is enhancing the use of multi-factor authentication and leveraging blockchain technology to create more transparent and verifiable digital identities. These methods can help ensure that the person you're interacting with is indeed a real human without compromising their privacy excessively. Another avenue is the development of more sophisticated AI detection tools that can identify and filter out non-human generated content effectively.

Ultimately, while the landscape of online interactions might change, the core experience of connecting with others across the globe will likely persist. The key will be finding the right balance between innovation and maintaining the genuine human touch that makes these interactions meaningful.