Is it time to redefine the word "friend" when considering the phrase "Facebook f

1. 68

   maddotposted 13 years ago

   Is it time to redefine the word "friend" when considering the phrase "Facebook friend"?
   
   The Oxford dictionary defines the word "friend" as some one you know and like who is usually not a family member. With Facebook cornering the market on the word "friend" is it time to reassess what the word  means to a new generation?

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2. 61

   ktrappposted 13 years ago

   I think so. There is no way someone has 978 true friends or whatever the amount may be.
   
   Have you seen that commercial (can't think what it's for) but the younger person is scoffing at her parents and their 19 (or so) facebook friends? Meanwhile, they show the parents out being active with people and having fun, while the younger girl and her hundreds of friends is sitting alone in front of a computer.

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3. 68

   maddotposted 13 years ago

   No I haven't seen the advertisement you mention, but then I'm in Australia..so it may not be screening here yet.
   
   I have seen people on Facebook who are not allowed to have any more friends, they are full-up! I suspect that many people on Facebook use it for a cause, but it  concerns me that the word "friend' is used.
   It's not a word that i think should be used lightly.

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4. 74

   lydociaposted 13 years ago

   The term "Facebook friend", in itself, is already a redefinition.
   
   Whatever is your personal value of the word "friend", a Facebook friend is just a connection you have on Facebook.

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5. 0

   Kieran Gracieposted 13 years ago

   I agree that the word 'friend' is being misused by Facebook, according to the traditional definition.  But then, so are many other words, and I suppose this is how our language evolves, whether we like it or not.
   
   Most people will treat a Facebook 'friend' in context, and not confuse 'it' with a true friend.

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6. 60

   JoAnna Wrightposted 13 years ago

   I have always had a firm belief that Facebook should not replace the social interactions we have with our friends and family.  Was it really that long ago when, if you wanted to get in touch with a friend or family member, you sent them a letter?  What came after that?  A telephone call.  I remember looking forward to the calls I would get from my aunts and uncles and how it was something special.
   
   Then it was e-mails...
   
   Then it was text messages....
   
   Now it's Facebook poking.
   
   I don't think it's fair that my friends and family can stare at my Facebook profile and suddenly be up to date on what is going on in my life.  How about a phone call?
   
   Our language is changing every day--now we have to clarify who our "close" friends are versus our "Facebook" friends.  I don't think a social network should ever replace the interactions we have with people--REAL people--in our every day lives.

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7. 61

   jessyferari1posted 13 years ago

   I met a boyfriend on face-book and i have a close friend whom i met on face-book. For me i do not add people i do not know, i add friends from.. high school, college and those i grew up with. I also do a regular editing which i call spring cleaning, to edit out those i won't miss when they're gone and won't even notice i deleted them. For me its that easy but no matter i still have too many.. about 70 face-book peeps. It all depends really. The internet is what you make of it after all, They may not be your friend as is described in the dictionary but could someday be one of your closest friends. it happens.

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