RSS
The Impact Of Having Friends Never Fade Away
from the they're-stuck-with-you dept
For many years, we've wondered about how new technologies may start to change the nature of friendship. In the past, friends would come and go over time, as friendships grew and receded during different stages of life for different reasons -- and that was fine. But in an age where everyone is connected electronically all of the time, and whether or not someone is a "friend" is a binary decision set at the click of a mouse, some are pointing out that it seems weird that social networks are setting up people to remain "friends" forever, even if they're not still friendly in real life.
Of course, it appears that much of this is actually mitigated by social norms and the rapid turnover of social networks. So, for example, while I've recently had many high school friends "refriend" me on Facebook, and I may chat briefly with those I really was friendly with, I pretty much ignore those that I barely knew. Sure they're on my "friend" list, but beyond that, it's rather inconsequential. But, more importantly, with social networks rising and falling rapidly, we seem to have a natural culling mechanism. So, all those friends I was connected to via SixDegrees and Friendster are meaningless now because I never use those services any more, and at some point the same will likely be true for Facebook.
Still, in the link above, Scott Brown does offer one amusing suggestion: a Facebook app that he calls the "Fade Utility." If there are "untended friends," they gradually fade from your friend list. Just like in real life.
Of course, it appears that much of this is actually mitigated by social norms and the rapid turnover of social networks. So, for example, while I've recently had many high school friends "refriend" me on Facebook, and I may chat briefly with those I really was friendly with, I pretty much ignore those that I barely knew. Sure they're on my "friend" list, but beyond that, it's rather inconsequential. But, more importantly, with social networks rising and falling rapidly, we seem to have a natural culling mechanism. So, all those friends I was connected to via SixDegrees and Friendster are meaningless now because I never use those services any more, and at some point the same will likely be true for Facebook.
Still, in the link above, Scott Brown does offer one amusing suggestion: a Facebook app that he calls the "Fade Utility." If there are "untended friends," they gradually fade from your friend list. Just like in real life.
I have a business...
To Understand The Data Move It Closer
How To Successfully Get Your App Into China
I’m looking for research...
Why Data Is The New Oil, With Dan Foreman Of Lumi Mobile
Geography Of The App Economy
I’m looking for policy...
Jon Potter: Software Patent Trolls Can Be Stopped By U.S. Patent Office And Congress
Policy Resources: Software Patents
Reader Comments (rss)
(Flattened / Threaded)
Good Point
Or more so, a feature close to whats mentioned. If I have not interacted with person X for 6 months maybe, they fade and after a year, they disappear because I really probably dont care about you if I havent talked to you in 6 months, let alone a year
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Good Point
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Don't be afraid to delete!!
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
INTERNET FRIENDS HUH?
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
But who are Fox & Friends Friends?
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Don't be afraid to delete!!
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Separate Lists
In World of Warcraft (and other games) we get a Friends list for players we want to remember, and an Ignore list for annoying gits you can't stand to hear, but there is no list for Folks-to-Distrust, Ungrateful, or Rude. Thus my Avoid-Grouping-With and Don't-Do-Favors-For characters are in my Friends list with annotation.
Most social networks allow blocking. How many allow flagging as "not actually a friend," or "just an acquaintance" or multiple personalized lists? Is it some, most, all?
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Separate Lists
And how about a separate list for people you actually couldn't stand when you were in school and only friended so you could poke fun at them for how much wealthier and more successful you are? I think it's safe to say that everyone nerdy enough to read this blog has quite a few of that sort of Facebook friend.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Add Your Comment