Most Facebook Friendships Stem From Offline Friendships
It can seem as though Facebook and other social networks open up the possibility for forming friendships from around the world with people you've never met. New research however suggests this isn't the case, with the majority of our Facebook friendships forming because we know that person already in the real world.
The research, conducted by NM Incite, surveyed over 1,800 social media users from around the world. It found that 82% of Facebook friendships occur because the two parties know each other offline. The next most common reason is having mutual friends, which accounts for 60% of Facebook friendships.
Some of the more superficial reasons for friendship come lower down the scale, including things like how sexy the other person is or how many other friends they already have.
Why do we unfriend?
So why do people unfriend one another? The research suggests that the most common reason is an offensive comment. That accounts for 55% of unfriendings. After that comes not knowing that person very well and sales soliciting.
Male/female divide
Interestingly, the study found that men are more likely to use Facebook for prospecting, either in a professional networking sense or a dating one. Women however use Facebook to connect up with real life friends and find deals on products.
You can see the full results in the infographic below. Click here to view the infographic in full.
Why do you friend someone on Facebook? What would encourage you to unfriend someone?
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