In today's fast-paced digital world, the meaning of the word "friend" is becoming increasingly diluted. The proliferation of social media apps has led to a desensitization of the concept and growth of real and organic friendships, with users forming associations at the click of a button. This is especially affecting our youth. Click (not to be confused with clique) friendships have resulted in a gradual misunderstanding of the depth and essence of true friendships, as people are more likely to prioritize fun and convenience and superficial connections over THE actual time that it takes to build the friendship, and the patience and the effort required to nurture and grow genuine bonds.
Real, tried and true friendships are complex, dynamic, and based on shared values, experiences, kinship, ups and downs, and the ability to recover from differences. Friendship is characterized by qualities such as mutual respect, open communication, empathy, and support. However, as our society shifts towards taking serious things lightly and light things seriously, we risk losing sight of these essential attributes that form the foundation of long-lasting, meaningful relationships.
One key factor, in my opinion, contributing to this phenomenon is the casual use of the word "friend" by social media platforms. While these online connections can be enjoyable, purposeful and even meaningful in their own right, they often lack the depth and commitment required to truly support one another through "friendship" challenges. As a result, the responsibilities that come with being a genuine friend are frequently overlooked, dismissed and rarely mastered.
With the rise of cancel culture and the ease with which people can "block" or "unfriend" others on social media exacerbates the problem. This behavior often reflects an inability to cope with disagreements or accept differences (that are a part of true friendship), as people are super quick to cut ties rather than work through conflicts or confront difficult emotions. After all, friending and un friending has become as simple as the push of a button. This trend, if left unchecked, threatens to make extinct, what we would normally refer to as the village and render crucial coping mechanisms and the resilience necessary to maintain strong and lasting friendships obsolete.
To preserve the beauty and existence of organic friendships, we must actively strive to strengthen our connections by embracing the qualities that have sustained human bonds for generations: respect, communication, empathy, and support. This means taking the time to truly listen to one another, celebrating successes, and standing by each other during challenging times.
It is essential to recognize and challenge the desensitization of organic friendships in today's digital society. By consciously nurturing our relationships and prioritizing the qualities that define true friendships, we can preserve the essence of human connection and ensure that the art of loving one another through differences, supporting each other through hardships, and rejoicing in one another's successes does not become extinct.