Who would have thought that the experience of friendship would evolve so much in the space of a few years? Online friendship has become an essential phenomenon of our digital age. Whether we like it or not, our relationships are now shaped by our presence on social media. But what does science tell us about these new forms of friendship? How do these virtual relationships compare to our traditional friendships? This is what we will try to understand.
Aristotle and friendship in the digital age
To understand the concept of friendship, it is essential to refer to Aristotle, who addressed this question in his famous work, Nicomachean Ethics. For him, friendship is based on reciprocity, mutual respect and kindness. But what would Aristotle have thought of our online friendships?
THE friendly relations online appear to be at first glance in contradiction with Aristotelian theory. Indeed, online interactions are often superficial and fleeting, without strong commitment or dedication. However, it would be wrong to neglect them. Certainly, these relationships may lack depth, but they offer other benefits, such as constant accessibility and the ability to maintain connections with people who are geographically distant. So, even though online friendship differs from Aristotle’s vision, it remains a form of friendship.
Weak ties and online friendship: a new perspective
Modern sociology provides a refreshing perspective on the subject. Mark Granovetter, a renowned sociologist, introduced the concept of “weak ties”. According to him, our superficial relationships, or “weak ties”, are as important as our close relationships, because they provide access to different information and resources.
The use of social networks amplifies this reality. Thus, on the same page, close friends, distant acquaintances, colleagues, family… This is what researchers Stenger and Coutant call the “composite audience”. Each user is an active participant, interacting with a multitude of different profiles. These digital relationships, although different from traditional relationships, help to strengthen our social bond.
The Ethics of Online Friendship
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of online friendship is the ethical aspect. THE social networks indeed raise questions of respect for private life, trust and sincerity. Do online friends have the same obligations as “real” friends? Do they have to respect the same standards of confidentiality and loyalty?
The answer is not obvious. Some argue that the very nature of online friendship, with its public nature and permeability to third parties, makes it impossible to adhere to traditional norms. Others, on the other hand, believe that the principles of friendship must adapt to new digital realities, creating a new ethics of friendship.
Online friendship: a reflection of our modern world
Ultimately, online friendship is much more than just an anomaly or a passing phenomenon. It is a true manifestation of our modern world, reflecting an increasingly connected society.
She demonstrates an incredible ability to reinvent herself, to adapt to the changes and challenges of our time. As proven by the work in humanities, online friendship, despite its ethical challenges, contributes to creating a new form of social bond, based on diversity and openness.
So you, the users, the participants of this online world, how do you see the evolution of your online friendships? Are they a complement to your traditional relationships, or do they represent a new form of friendship in their own right?
Conclusion & Opinion
So, yes, online friendship is different from traditional relationships. It is shaped by our digital uses, our interactions on social networks, the weak links that we create… But it nonetheless remains a form of friendship, with its own codes and its own values.
Science shows us that this form of friendship should not be neglected. On the contrary, it highlights our ability to create relationships, to forge links, even through the screen.
Online friendship is therefore not a simple imperfect copy of “real” friendship, but a new expression of friendship in the digital age. We are therefore witnessing, perhaps, the emergence of a new face of friendship, shaped by the digital world in which we live today.
And you, what place do you give to online friendship in your life? What form does it take for you?
