Are My Friends Really My Friends?
Are My Friends Really My Friends?
On average, humans are capable of:
– 1500 face/name matches
– 500 acquaintances
– 150 casual friends
– 50 buddies
– 15 good friends
– 5 confidants
– 1-2 closest relationshipsPeople progress through these levels based on the frequency of face-to-face interaction we have with them. Lack of face-to-face interaction means the relationship decays. Social media slows the rate of decay, but does not strengthen relationships. Because it slows the rate of decay, social media can inhibit our ability to create new connections or strengthen existing ones.
– 1500 face/name matches
– 500 acquaintances
– 150 casual friends
– 50 buddies
– 15 good friends
– 5 confidants
– 1-2 closest relationshipsPeople progress through these levels based on the frequency of face-to-face interaction we have with them. Lack of face-to-face interaction means the relationship decays. Social media slows the rate of decay, but does not strengthen relationships. Because it slows the rate of decay, social media can inhibit our ability to create new connections or strengthen existing ones.
And finally, even when people are face-to-face, phone usage can inhibit the body’s chemical response that causes people to feel bonded.
