How Social Media Has Murdered "Friendships"

I had the opportunity this week to (once again) re-evaluate my friendships.
I had someone in my life whom I thought was a "friend" and they turned out to be the opposite. This situation made me think about the nature of friendships and what are the rules, the obligations, and the consequences of being someone's friend. And as I have gotten older and nearing a half century on the Blue Marble I hold my true friends very dear. Mainly because people, in general, are fake.

My definition is quite simple: if I would call you in my time of need, regardless of what that particular need is; you come to my aid; no questions asked.

Just because I work with you does not make you my friend. Just because we are "friends" on social media does not make you my friend. Just because we hang out as part of a larger group does not make you my friend.

See where I'm going here????

I fully believe that social media, for all its greatness has completely diluted our understanding and perception of what a true friend is. I recently learned that there are people with whom I am acquainted that will actually check their Facebook likes to see who "liked" their post. What the hell?
How needy and sad that statement is. It really makes me question the declination of our social skills as a society.
I have ALOT of acquaintances.....I have few friends and I like it this way. I know that I am jaded by this issue due to placing truest in individuals who did not deserve it, so I will use this as a PSA; choose your true friends wisely young people.