The Limits Of Friendship, By Maria Konnikova

In her essay, "The Limits of Friendship," Maria Konnikova argues that technology and online interactions can potentially decrease the size of social groups, causing humans to lose functionality. Konnikova utilizes the research of Robin Dunbar's Social Brain Hypothesis to show the impact of technology on social group sizes. Referring to Dunbar's number and the rule of three, Konnikova shows that humans are capable of managing a social group of about one hundred and fifty people. Historically social groups followed this pattern within hunting groups and militia. Konnikova also referenced research completed by Durham University analyzing the recipients of Christmas cards proving the Dunbar number to be accurate. Though social media expands peoples