Isn't love and affection basically the same thing?
More like analogous (if that's the right term?)
Affection is a 'product' of love, though it is not necessary to be shown. There are a lot of instances where one would show his/her subtle affection to a loved one, prolly because he/she finds it awkward to be openly affectionate, or his/her love language is different.
In the end, you may show affection if you love someone, but being affectionate is not a mandatory evidence of love.
Sadly, in the world of SocMed, only one 'narrative' is listened to, and approved. Hence, many would think that their parent, friend, or lover didn't love them at all.