No. I have opened up exactly 1 channel with 1 other person years ago, and it was done automatically when I installed the app. Since then I have been able to send and receive bitcoin to anyone I've wanted to instantly and for a miniscule fraction of the amount that I have sent. I am really surprised, I had no idea that so much misinformation was being passed around amongst people who have never even decided to try it themselves or even look into it deeply at all.