Online but doesn't reply?

[lovelycara]

I recently reconnected with a friend from middle school. We've been texting for a week and decided to become friends with benefits. Everything was fine. The last interaction we had was on Sunday, and everything was normal. After that we didn't talk for a week. I decided to send him a snap but he didn't see it till the next morning cause he fell asleep. He tells me that he's been having essays after essays due, and the elections are giving him anxiety. I tell him that he's gonna ace all of his essays and the elections should be fine.

today I send him a message about the election and he's been online ever since I sent the message but he still hasn't replied.

what does this mean?

Updates:

[SnowyOwl]

He's probably just anxious... There's a lot to be anxious about these times. Don't read too much into it because it will drive you crazy. Trust me, I'm an over thinker, I know what it's like to go crazy xD
Just give him some time, he's also busy with homework.
Maybe in a couple of days try texting again asking about how he's doing. You can say something like "hey this *thing * made me think of you today. How are you doing?"
Just make it sound like you're simply checking up in him as a friend. We need caring friends when we are anxious, you know.
Just let him know he can call you anytime or something

[desidoll]

I think he is afraid if you become clingy or changed his mind about the friends with benefits thing.

[DavidFox]

It means you have too much time on your hands. Why are you even worrying about him being online, he told you he was busy this month.

[MikeTheBartender]

Different political views or he lost interest