Aristotle’s Friendship Theory in the Age of Social Media: How to Cultivate Deep Connections in the Digital Realm

Aristotle’s friendship theory, as outlined in his work Nicomachean Ethics, describes the different types of friendships that exist and the importance of each in leading a good and fulfilled life. According to Aristotle, there are three types of friendships: friendships of utility, friendships of pleasure, and friendships of the good.

Friendships of utility are based on the exchange of benefits between individuals. These friendships are common and often transitory, as they are based on what each person can gain from the other.

Friendships of pleasure, on the other hand, are based on the enjoyment that individuals get from spending time with each other. These friendships are often based on shared activities or interests, and they can be quite strong and lasting.

Finally, friendships of the good are based on the mutual admiration and respect that individuals have for each other’s character. These friendships are the strongest and most enduring, as they are based on the shared pursuit of good and virtuous actions.

It is easy to see the presence of all three of these types of friendships in today’s social medias. Friendships of utility are common on professional networking sites, where individuals connect with each other in order to advance their careers or businesses. Friendships of pleasure are also common on social media, where individuals connect with others who share their interests and hobbies.

However, the rise of social media has also brought about some challenges to the pursuit of true friendships of the good. The ease and convenience of online communication has made it possible for individuals to maintain large networks of acquaintances, but these superficial connections can often lack the depth and substance of true friendships.

Additionally, the performative nature of social media can make it difficult for individuals to be vulnerable and authentic with each other, which is crucial for the development of strong friendships of the good.

One way to design better social media platforms is to prioritize the cultivation of deep and meaningful connections over the accumulation of superficial acquaintances. This could involve providing tools and features that facilitate authentic and vulnerable communication, as well as fostering a culture of respect and empathy among users.

Another way to design better social media platforms is to reduce the emphasis on performance and comparison. This could involve de-emphasizing metrics such as likes and followers, and instead focusing on encouraging users to share content that is meaningful and valuable to them, rather than what they think will be most popular.

Additionally, better social media platforms could also provide resources and support for individuals to develop their character and pursue virtuous actions. This could include features such as personal goal-setting and accountability tools, as well as curated content and communities that promote virtuous living.

By focusing on these aspects, social media platforms can be designed to better support the pursuit of true friendships of the good, and to help individuals lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Despite these challenges, Aristotle’s friendship theory remains relevant in the modern world of social medias. The pursuit of strong, virtuous friendships is still essential for leading a good and fulfilled life, and individuals can use the principles of Aristotle’s theory to cultivate and maintain such friendships even in the digital realm.