Final answer:
The question of whether social-media friends are 'real' friends depends on individual experiences and perspectives. Some believe that the lack of depth and ease of connecting online undermines the authenticity of these friendships, while others find genuine relationships built on shared interests that extend to real-world interactions. The role of social media in forming and maintaining friendships is complex and multifaceted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether social-media friends are real friends is a subjective matter that varies from one person to another. Adam and Coco argue that social media connections often lack depth, as they're based on selective sharing and ease of connecting or disconnecting. On the contrary, Yasuyuki believes that real friendships can stem from online interactions, especially when they revolve around shared interests and lead to real-world meetings. The discussion of the nature of friendships in the digital age is complex. Social media undoubtedly facilitates connectivity and access to a wider network; however, it also enables a more curated presentation of oneself, which may not always reflect one's whole reality. Furthermore, social media use necessitates an awareness of the public nature of online personas and the potential future consequences for education, employment, or social life.
The dynamics of friendship and trust in digital platforms indicate that while social media can contribute to the deepening and formation of friendships, it can equally harbor biases when information is shared among trusted networks. The increasing role of digital media in our lives has made relationships, including romantic ones, dependent on these technologies. However, without digital media, these relationships would likely take on different characteristics and may require more effort to maintain. Aspects of cyberbullying and potential addiction highlight the darker sides of this dependency on social media.
Given these implications, it is important to consider the genuine quality of relationships formed or maintained through social media and to remain critical and thoughtful about online interactions.