I see someone in public and recognize them, yet have we’ve never met. After remembering that we’re Facebook friends, I realize that I already know their birthday, interests and have seen pictures of various significant events in their lives.
This is what social media has done to social interaction. It has made it possible to connect with people before actually meeting them.
While it can improve communication amongst people, it takes away the mystery of meeting new people. A unique human interaction.
Yes, knowing a bit about someone before meeting them will make that first interaction more smooth. But that effect likely won’t carry on past that initial introduction.
Strong friendships are born from getting to know someone over time, not skipping ahead to the middle of that book.
To avoid this strange feeling, I as a rule don’t friend request or follow anyone unless we’ve met in person first.
