Are we Friends or Just Facebook Friends?

For many, being a “friend” on Facebook does not translate to being a friend in real life. For most people they are probably friends with way too many people on Facebook that they would not even consider hanging out with on a daily basis, as you would with an actual friend.

I read an article in the New York Times discussing how judges and lawyers in Florida are no longer permitted to be friends on Facebook. The article brought up a great point, when someone is friends with another on Facebook and then appears in front of them in court it could potentially create a bias or conflict of interest. This causes confusion for many because with Facebook, a majority of people fall under the category of “contact” or “acquaintance,” not so much “friend.”

Those who disagreed with this decision were upset because they felt that it would take away from their social life, something that judges and lawyers have the right to also. I think that this article sheds light on a bigger issue: do not mix business with pleasure. I find it bizarre when students in my class are friends with their teacher on Facebook. I think it is fine after you are done taking that course, but while you are taking the course? I think that it causes the teacher to change their opinion about that student, and other students in the class may feel that they have a better relationship with the teacher than they have. All in all, I think that it is important to choose your friends wisely, not just in real-life but on Facebook.

Here's the article: For Judges on Facebook, Friendship Has Limits