Content creator Etania sparked conversation during her appearance on the Mic Cheque podcast after speaking about how she views friendship dynamics in Kenya.
During the discussion, she claimed that many people are strategic in their relationships and often expect something in return when interacting with others.
"People here are strategic in everything, like no one is genuinely opening teeth with you."
Etania on Selective Social Interactions
To explain her point, Etania recalled an encounter involving someone she had recently met during the Summertides event. According to her, the individual later acted as though they did not know her when they met again. She used the experience to illustrate what she described as selective interactions and changing behaviour in social spaces, away from social media, or rather Instagram, to be specific.
Chaxxy’s Take on Material and Tangible Value
The conversation later shifted to fellow podcast participant Chaxxy, who also shared his perspective on friendships. He stated that he could not maintain a friendship if he was not benefiting from it materially or in another tangible way. According to him, relationships should involve some form of personal gain, adding that he does not see the need to invest in friendships that offer no benefit.
"For me it doesn't necessarily have to be benefiting, but what am I getting from it, like what's making us friends. If there's nothing that's bringing us together, there's no need for us hanging out." He argued that "it's not being strategic, but there are common things that would make our friendship work."
The Evolution of Modern Friendships
The discussion highlighted different
Over time, these relationships frequently evolve depending on factors such as communication frequency, mutual trust, shared goals, and changing life circumstances.
Modern friendships are also influenced by social media and digital communication. Online platforms allow individuals to connect, reconnect, and maintain relationships across different locations. Simultaneously, digital interactions have led to increased public discourse regarding the roles of networking, reciprocity, and expectations between friends, particularly among younger demographics.
Following the release of the episode, clips of Etania's and Chaxxy's remarks circulated across social media platforms, leading to online discussions regarding expectations in friendships and the role of mutual benefit in personal relationships. Their comments became part of a broader dialogue on how friendships are formed, maintained, and interpreted in contemporary social settings, with users sharing their own experiences and perspectives through posts, comments, and video responses.
