[FAQ]

Afternoon all,

I’m still a bit fuzzy on the whole “friends” versus “followers” setup on Facebook. When I look at someone’s profile, sometimes it’s “Add Friend,” other times it’s “Follow.”

What’s the basic difference in what each means for who sees what, and how we interact? Does one include the other automatically? Just want to make sure I’m clear on it.

Any simple breakdown would be awesome.

[Jeff Bullas]

G’day.

It’s a common one to get mixed up. Here’s the short and sweet of Facebook friends vs. followers:

Friends: It’s a two-way street. You both agree to connect.

Followers: Can be one-way. They can see your public stuff without you friending them back.

Key Differences, Real Quick:

Connection:

Friends: Mutual. You add them, they accept. You automatically follow each other.
Followers (Not Friends): They follow your public posts; you don’t automatically follow them.
What They See:

Friends: Can see your posts shared with “Friends” and “Public.”
Followers (Not Friends): Only see your “Public” posts.

Control:

You approve Friend requests.
You can allow anyone to follow your public updates (check “Followers and public content” settings). If your profile is in “Professional Mode,” it’s geared for public followers.

Essentially, “friending” is for closer, more intimate connections. “Following” lets a wider audience see your public persona. If you’re friends, you’re already following each other by default (though you can choose to unfollow a friend’s posts without unfriending them).

Cheers,

Jeff

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