Friends

Interesting how the meaning of "friend" is changing. In the new world of online social media, friends aren't what they used to be.

Once upon a time, a friend was someone you could depend upon, who you trusted, who believed your stories and excuses, who shared your values, and enjoyed your company. It was a "one for all and all for one" world.

Lately, with MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and a handful of other large online social networks, the meaning and value of friendship is eroding. Not that having contacts to call on for introductions, or advice, or whatever is a bad thing.

But it seems to me that the worth of a friend diminishes as the number of friends we have increases. Sort of like inflation and money -- the more in circulation the less its buys.

Conversely, perhaps for some of us, our self-worth is tied to the number of friends we claim -- and as we see others report more and more new friends and contacts we feel compelled to keep up.

It's easy to busy oneself giving and accepting invitations. And, keeping track of all these friendships -- with a constant stream of posts, and messages, and groups, and notices of all sorts -- is enough to drive anyone to distraction.

Unless you're a headhunter or maybe a salesman, what real meaning is there in having hundreds and hundreds (or, for some, thousands) of friends? Really??

Still, we go on giving and accepting invitations from people we don't even know -- and probably never will. After all, it feels good to have friends.