Facebook is the commercial break from life.

What is the Experiment About ?

Facebook Friends Experiment  is using the power of the Facebook Friend Suggestion application to gain a larger friend list.  The basic premise is to add every person that Facebook suggests to add.  Facebook draws its suggestions from the people you are currently friends with.  As your list of friends grows, Facebook generates more friends based on your current friend list.

Why Conduct This Experiment?

There are many reasons people may want a larger friend base.  Some people play a ‘numbers game,’ where the person with the most friends is determined to be the most popular.  Some people connect their self-esteem with the amount of friends listed, even if they haven’t talked to those friends for years.  Some people are merely social.  Some are interested in everyone’s gossip (think of the old party telephone lines).  Some people like the interaction with a crowd.  Some just like to lurk.  Some join up for the photos…sometimes it’s the only way to see one another!

The reasons for this experiment contain none of the reasons above.  Besides wanting data to see exactly how one does get a large friends base, it should also be noted that social media is a ‘commercial break’ from life.  Interactions with ‘friends’ can also be interactions with potential clientele, depending on your business.  By keeping your list of friends growing, you are potentially grooming an audience following.  Social media is the new business model.

Sounds Like Using People, Doesn’t It?

In a word, no.  Simply slapping up your product will not encourage Facebook friends to buy your stuff.  They may get so tired of it they remove you as a Facebook friend altogether.  Social media still needs to be social.  And a friend has to be a friend, even in the Facebook world.  By keeping your status updates fun and friendly and having simple chit-chat with your growing list of friends, people will want to support you instinctively.  This is what good friends do!

See Facebook Friends Experiment: Report Two for more information of what happened next and why.