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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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The Pitfalls of De-Friending

Peer pressure just one of the social aspects that translates well to Facebook and the like

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(Newser) – De-friending is an unfortunate reality for social networks. It happens for many reasons, but is always awkward. Here are some de-friending stories from Mashable (names have been changed to protect the embarrassed):

  • Social opportunists: Andrew got a friend request from Jane, who he didn’t know but was friends with many of his friends. Turns out, she just wanted them all to join her business networking group.

  • Don’t use my life against me: Doug fell behind a little on a project, to which a colleague responded by bringing up photos of his weekend rafting trips received via social network to shame him. So de-friended!
  • Best friend’s ex-girlfriend: Chris de-friended his best friend’s girlfriend after they broke up, but it got him roped into their post-breakup drama: “How can you say, ‘Let’s be friends’ and then ask Chris to de-friend me on Facebook?” the ex complained to Chris’ friend.
Click the link for the complete list.

The pressure to add someone as a Facebook friend, or to de-friend them, can be much like the worse things you remember about high school.
The pressure to add someone as a Facebook friend, or to de-friend them, can be much like the worse things you remember about high school.   (©Bart Claeys)
De-friending is an awkward reality of social networking.
De-friending is an awkward reality of social networking.   (Shutterstock)
Social networks allow people to connect to one another, but can be awkward when that connection must be cut.
Social networks allow people to connect to one another, but can be awkward when that connection must be cut.   (Shutterstock)
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VenomousKate
Nov 26, 08 1:35 PM CST
Facebook: it's like high school all over again. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
iamthereama
Nov 26, 08 5:27 PM CST
I hated high school.... maybe that's why I lasted all of three weeks before I grew tired of facebook.
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