Purdue News

March 22, 2004

Professor: Missing 'Friends?' Build real ones

The departure of NBC's sitcom "Friends" could affect loyal fans in ways similar to having a best friend move away, says a Purdue University professor of communication.

"As we have become increasingly mobile, many of us have found it easier to surround ourselves with the sights and sounds of virtual relationships that give us the feeling of being attached, rather than making real friends ourselves," says Glenn Sparks, whose specialty is the cognitive and emotional effects of media. "The loss of a long-running, regular program like this can definitely affect some people very intensely. The most loyal fans may experience a genuine sense of loss."

Sparks wrote the book "Media Effects Research," and is co-author of "Refrigerator Rights," a book that deals with the loss of close interpersonal relationships in America. He says more than 40 million Americans relocate each year, and those moves often reduce the number of people's close friendships.

"People who move must invest in building a new network of close friends," Sparks says. "If people do not replace the relationships they left behind, it can affect their emotional and physical health."

Sparks says people can cultivate new relationships by joining groups that relate to their hobbies and interests, such as biking or singing, or by volunteering in the community. But building close relationships usually takes time. The investment required can sometimes increase the lure of TV as a substitute.

Sparks also can talk about how the show "Friends" has, in some cases, brought people together and facilitated close relationships.

CONTACT: Sparks, (765) 494-3316, gsparks@purdue.edu