Characters:
- Maya : Someone who reflects on how social media affects her relationships.
- Evan : Maya’s friend, curious about her perspective on social media and friendships.
Evan : Hey Maya, do you think social media has changed the way we maintain friendships?
Maya : Hi Evan! Definitely—it makes staying in touch easier, but it also changes the depth of our connections. What do you think?
Evan : I agree. It’s convenient to like or comment on someone’s post, but sometimes it feels like a substitute for real interaction.
Maya : Exactly. Scrolling through updates isn’t the same as having a meaningful conversation. I try to balance online and offline communication.
Evan : That’s smart. Do you ever feel pressured to present a certain image of your friendships online?
Maya : Sometimes, yeah. Posting group photos or tagging friends can feel performative, like you’re showcasing how close you are instead of just enjoying it.
Evan : True. Do you think social media helps people stay connected over long distances?
Maya : Absolutely. For example, my best friend moved abroad, and we use Instagram and video calls to keep up with each other’s lives.
Evan : That’s nice. Do you think it’s harder to make new friends now because of social media?
Maya : Not necessarily harder, but different. People often connect online first before meeting in person, which can feel less organic.
Evan : Interesting. Have you ever met someone online who became a close friend in real life?
Maya : Yes! I joined an online book club last year, and one of the members lives nearby. We started meeting up for coffee, and now she’s one of my closest friends.
Evan : That’s awesome. Do you think social media creates unrealistic expectations for friendships?
Maya : Definitely. Everyone posts their happiest moments, so it’s easy to compare your own relationships to those highlight reels.
Evan : Good point. Have you ever felt left out because of something you saw on social media?
Maya : Oh, yes. Seeing friends hang out without me can sting, even if I know it’s not personal. It’s important to remind myself that I don’t see the full picture.
Evan : That’s relatable. Do you think social media helps resolve conflicts or makes them worse?
Maya : It depends. A heartfelt message can clear things up, but public arguments or passive-aggressive posts usually escalate tensions.
Evan : True. Do you set boundaries for how much you interact with friends online?
Maya : I do. I mute accounts if I need a break or limit how often I check notifications—it helps me focus on quality interactions instead of constant scrolling.
Evan : Smart move. Do you think social media has made friendships more surface-level overall?
Maya : In some ways, yes. But it also gives shy or introverted people a chance to connect in low-pressure ways, which is a positive.
Evan : That’s a good point. Have you ever reconnected with an old friend through social media?
Maya : Yes! I found my childhood neighbor on Facebook after years of losing touch. Now we catch up regularly—it’s been great.
Evan : That’s cool. Do you think there’s a “right” way to use social media for friendships?
Maya : Not really—it’s all about intention. Using it mindfully to strengthen bonds works better than letting it replace genuine effort.
Evan : Well said. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Maya. You’ve given me a lot to think about.
Maya : Anytime, Evan! Let me know if you notice any patterns in your own social media use—I’d love to hear what you discover.
