National Fake Friend Day - WhatNationalDayIsIt

Dear friendly navigators of the wildly wonderful world of national days, allow me to introduce you to a day that might make you trust your calendar a smidge less: National Fake Friend Day. It seems like every other Friday we're celebrating something slightly cuckoo... So why not toast to those faux friends on our friend list? A velvet glove concealing an iron fist, or the green-eyed monster hiding behind a dazzling smile, let's explore the intriguing history of this day.

When is Fake Friend Day?

It's national fake friend day on the 1st May.

A Brief History of National Fake Friend Day

Our digital investigation didn't turn up any official proclamations by presidents, queens, or other folks with fancy titles, so it appears National Fake Friend Day, much like the sly subjects it represents, sort of just... snuck up on us. There were 223 mentions of this oddball occasion online, with the bulk of them exploding onto the scene on 1st May 2020. What happened on this day? Was there a mega-fake friend convention? We may never know.

What's Behind the Fakery?

Let’s take a dip into psychology for a moment. A 'fake friend', in both the digital world and real life, is usually someone who appears super kind and involved when in actuality, they have their own cunning plan. Not that they're always super spies or undercover villains. Usually, the masquerades boil down to little more than petty jealousy, rivalry, or the longing for more likes on Instagram. Doesn’t sound too diabolical put like that, now does it?

Celebrating National Fake Friend Day

Just like bad puns and silly jokes, awareness of fake friends is something best shared with genuine friends. Have a heart-to-heart with your true alliances about the absurdity of inauthentic friendships. Or better yet, send an ironically heartfelt emoji to your pseudo-pals. Just keep it kind and light-hearted, folks! We're here for fun, after all!

History behind the term 'Fake Friend'

2003

Introduction of the term 'fake friend'

In 2003, the term 'fake friend' first came into popularity as a way to describe a person who pretends to be a friend but has ulterior motives or does not genuinely care about the well-being of others. It originated from the rise of social media platforms and online communities, where people started realizing that not all connections and relationships were authentic. This term became a part of everyday language to describe these superficial relationships.

2006

Social media's impact on the concept of fake friends

By 2006, social media platforms such as Facebook and MySpace had gained significant popularity. This led to an increase in the number of online connections and friends one could have, but it also created an environment where people started questioning the authenticity of these relationships. People began to realize that having a large number of friends or followers didn't necessarily mean having deep and meaningful connections. The concept of fake friends started becoming more nuanced as individuals grappled with understanding who their real friends were.

2010

Exploration of fake friends in pop culture

In 2010, the concept of fake friends gained further traction in popular culture. Musicians, such as Drake with his hit song 'Fake Love,' and TV shows like 'Gossip Girl' depicted storylines revolving around the theme of deceptive friendships. These portrayals highlighted the emotional impact of fake friends and resonated with a wide audience, sparking discussions about trust and authenticity in relationships.

2013

The rise of 'fake friend' in online discourse

With the increasing prevalence of social media, the term 'fake friend' took on a new dimension in 2013. Online platforms became spaces for public call-outs and sharing experiences with fake friends. People used hashtags, forums, and viral stories to share their encounters with individuals who had betrayed their trust or were only present in their lives for personal gain. This online discussion fueled awareness about the concept and further solidified the term in common vocabulary.

Present day

Continued relevance of the term 'fake friend'

In the present day, the term 'fake friend' remains highly relevant in social interactions and online discourse. It serves as a reminder for people to be mindful of those who might not have their best interests at heart. The concept of fake friends has become a cautionary tale in navigating relationships, both in-person and online, encouraging individuals to seek and value genuine connections with those who truly care.