zlacker

But it’s also nice to know what’s going on in people’s lives without needing a deep connection...

>>veunes+(OP)
But why, though? If all you have is a shallow social-media connection with someone, why is it nice to know what's going on in their lives?

We have a finite amount of time and energy to maintain connections with people. Even shallow connections eat into that. I'd rather spend that time and energy on deeper connections. And while it's customary to say "but sure, I guess other people have different views on this, so to each their own", I... well, I honestly believe it's unhealthy to obsessively try to maintain all these sorts of shallow connections. I think this is a part of why I read about how so many people are lonely these days and have trouble forming friendships and keeping them going.

>>kelnos+z7
Because sometimes you rekindle relationships that have drifted apart but you still stayed somewhat tethered to thanks to social media.

I rekindled a friendship with an old friend when I realized he was visiting the same foreign country as I was. Funny enough his wife is a mutual college friend of ours whom he had lost touch with but only met again after reconnecting on social media. I also reconnected with her through my friend.

>>kelnos+z7
Sometimes, those casual connections can spark something more meaningful down the line or just bring small moments of joy! Like, for instance, seeing an old friend’s travel photos or knowing that you're school friend had a baby

>>Karrot+4h
Yep! And those little updates can sometimes lead to unexpected and meaningful reconnections, like your story with your friend and his wife.