Social media has revolutionized how we connect, interact, and perceive relationships. But has it improved or diluted the essence of friendship? Let’s explore five ways it has changed the meaning of friendship.
Quantity Over Quality
With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, friendships are now quantified. People often measure their social value by the number of connections they have. However, Aristotle’s notion of perfect friendship reminds us that deeper, meaningful relationships outweigh superficial ones.
Instant Connection, Shallow Bonds
Social media allows us to connect with people across the globe instantly. While this has expanded the concept of friendship, it often leads to shallow relationships that lack the depth of face-to-face interactions.
Highlight Reel Friendships
Social media encourages people to share curated highlights of their lives, creating an illusion of perfection. This can lead to unrealistic expectations in friendships, as authenticity gets lost behind filters and captions.
Online Vulnerability
One positive shift is the space social media provides for people to open up. For some, online friendships allow greater self-expression and emotional connection. However, Aristotle might argue that these connections require time and shared values to become truly meaningful.
Friending and Unfriending
The ease of friending and unfriending on social media reflects the transient nature of utility and pleasure friendships. These quick connections often lack the resilience of real-life relationships, which take effort and commitment to sustain.
Conclusion
While social media has reshaped friendship, Aristotle’s timeless wisdom reminds us to pursue authentic relationships that stand the test of time.
