Friends, but not a Follower

​Noel: Hey, everyone, I was thinking about something related to our online experiences, and I wanted to hear your thoughts. You know, I recently noticed that some of my friends and even acquaintances on social media are not following me back. It's like we're friends in real life, but not a follower online. Have any of you experienced this?
 
Njoki: (Nods) Oh, I can relate to that, Noel. It's something that I've encountered as well. But you know, there's another aspect to it that I've personally grappled with. I've had to strike a balance between being friends with someone in real life and choosing whether to follow them online, especially when I see friends posting videos of violent acts and deaths of Black people. It's not just a matter of not wanting to see some content; it's about protecting my mental and emotional well-being.
 
Serita: That's a tough situation, Njoki. I've seen some of those posts too, and they can be really distressing. I completely understand why you might want to set those boundaries online.
 
America: Yeah, it can be a bit tricky. I have some friends who post content that I really don't want to see repeatedly on my timeline. It's not that I don't like them as friends, but I want my online space to be more positive and uplifting.
 
Gloria: I get that, America. It's essential to curate your online experience to match your interests and mental well-being. But it can be a delicate balance, especially with people you care about in real life.
 
Denitra: Absolutely, Gloria. I think it's crucial to remember that online and offline relationships can coexist separately. You can still be great friends with someone in person without being followers online. It's about setting boundaries that work for you.
 
Njoki: That's a great point, Denitra. We all have different preferences when it comes to our online presence. It's essential to prioritize our mental health and the content we consume.
 
Noel: Thanks for sharing your perspectives, everyone. It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one navigating this balance between being friends but not necessarily a follower online.
 
Njoki: You're welcome, Noel. Remember, it's your online space, and you have the right to make it a positive and comfortable environment for yourself.