The act of establishing a social connection with someone online, typically on social media platforms. It usually involves sending a friend request and, upon acceptance, gaining access to the individual's profile updates, content, and interactions. friending can also refer to cultivating or maintaining a friendly relationship, either online or in person, as a result of a shared connection. The practice reflects evolving social dynamics, blurring boundaries between online and offline relationships and facilitating new forms of social engagement and community building. It embodies the digital age's emphasis on readily accessible connections and the ability to form and nurture relationships across geographical distances. Furthermore, the term has expanded to include the creation of more broad connections, going beyond mere friendship to include affiliations, professional connections, and follower-based interactions.
Friending meaning with examples
- After meeting at a conference, Sarah immediately started 'friending' her new colleagues on LinkedIn. This allowed her to stay updated on their professional activities and share industry news. They then exchanged emails about current projects and made plans to connect again at the upcoming industry fair. Connecting online helped Sarah to build up a sense of community, beyond simply the conference environment and encouraged her to form new connections.
- Emily, excited about her new book club, sent 'friending' requests to all the participants on Facebook. This group allowed them to coordinate reading schedules, discuss chapters, and arrange online video meetings to enhance their social interactions. The group also served as a space for members to share book reviews and recommendations and encourage open dialogue about the readings. 'Friending' on Facebook kept the club cohesive and provided a fun way to meet others.
- My grandfather doesn't understand the idea of 'friending' people he doesn't actually know. He believes that true friendships should be built from face-to-face interactions. Although, the idea is that it makes it easy to connect with people on the same page. Online interactions, in contrast, often lack depth and personal involvement in his opinion. I have found that friending people you do not know gives way to a wide range of diverse opinions.
- The musician, striving to promote her new album, has made 'friending' and interacting with fans a top priority. She actively responds to messages, participates in discussions, and shares exclusive content to foster loyalty. Through regular engagement with her followers, she cultivates a dedicated fan base and generates interest in her music. The process also provides valuable feedback and a deeper connection, beyond just sales.