UNAIR NEWS 鈥 National Friendship Day, observed annually on June 8, is more than a symbolic celebration. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolving nature of social relationships in an increasingly digital world. As modern life becomes faster and more interconnected, the ways people build and sustain friendships are undergoing significant transformation.
According to Nur Syamsiyah, SSosio, MSc, a Sociology expert at 东京热 (UNAIR), advances in information and communication technology have reshaped interpersonal relationships, often replacing meaningful social bonds with more superficial forms of online interaction.
鈥淔riendships were once built through frequent communication, emotional intimacy, and mutual connection. Today, many of those elements have been diminished by social media, where maintaining a friendship may be reduced to viewing someone鈥檚 story, clicking 鈥榣ike,鈥 or simply remaining visible online,鈥 Syamsiyah said.
Social media paradox and algorithm
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) lecturer noted that while digital platforms have enabled people to expand their social networks, the quality of those relationships has not necessarily improved. In many cases, broader online networks have coincided with a growing sense of isolation in everyday life.
鈥淢any people have hundreds of friends on social media yet still experience loneliness in the real world. Digital interactions are often limited to passive engagement, such as viewing stories, rather than intentional efforts to build meaningful relationships. As a result, friendship networks may be wider, but they are often far less deep,鈥 she said.
Syamsiyah argued that social media algorithms further contribute to this decline in relationship quality by encouraging artificial forms of engagement. Automated notifications, she said, increasingly replace spontaneous human interaction and are often designed to serve platform interests rather than genuine social connection. 鈥淲e frequently receive prompts reminding us to congratulate friends on their achievements. Organic interactions are becoming less common because algorithms are working behind the scenes, often to collect data from our social behavior,鈥 she explained.
Ghosting and need for clear communication
Discussing the rise of ghosting, Syamsiyah said that abruptly ending communication is often linked to life transitions that alter a person鈥檚 values, habits, and social outlook. As individuals grow and change, they may find themselves drifting away from former friends whose perspectives no longer align with their own. 鈥淲hen people no longer share the same interests or worldview as friends from earlier stages of life, social discomfort can naturally emerge. This is a normal part of human development because people tend to seek communities that reflect similar values and experiences,鈥 she said.
The issue is particularly evident among younger generations, who may be more socially awkward and more likely to sever relationships without explanation. Some choose to withdraw from social interactions by citing social burnout or labeling relationships as toxic. 鈥淢any engage in ghosting without providing any clarification, even though healthy friendships are essential sources of social support and play an important role in maintaining mental well-being,鈥 Syamsiyah added.
As a way forward, Syamsiyah encouraged people to prioritize clear and meaningful communication rather than focusing solely on how frequently they interact. Whether a friendship requires constant contact or only occasional communication, mutual understanding and transparency are what allow relationships to remain genuine.
鈥淭he most valuable investment young people can make for their future is learning how to communicate clearly. Make sure your friends understand your expectations and intentions. Let them know that even if you do not speak every day, you will still be there when they need support. That is what enables friendships to continue serving their social purpose,鈥 she concluded.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
