The phrase “best friend” has undergone a significant redefinition in recent years, expanding beyond its traditional meaning of a close companion to encompass a broader range of relationships. This shift is largely attributed to the advent of social media, which has facilitated the formation and maintenance of online friendships that often blur the lines between acquaintances, friends, and best friends.
The redefinition of “best friend” has several important implications. First, it challenges the traditional notion that one can only have a limited number of best friends. In the past, it was common to have a small circle of close friends with whom one shared deep emotional connections. However, with the advent of social media, it is now possible to have dozens or even hundreds of online friends with whom one interacts regularly. This can make it difficult to determine who one’s “best” friends are, as there may be multiple people who fulfill different roles in one’s life.
