This brings to mind something that has fascinated me recently (and probably applied to your friend's situation). Social networks need to be more open when it co

This brings to mind something that has fascinated me recently (and probably applied to your friend's situation). Social networks need to be more open when it comes to how blocking people works and what information they have that allows the network to draw connections between you. If they aren't they're going to suffer. My situation is that after blocking someone on Facebook I got recommended to follow them on Instagram (they were not in my address book on my phone and I haven't shared this with Instagram so the only way I can see Instagram having the info that we even knew each other is from it's parent company). I'm sure the other person probably got the reverse recommendation - something I obviously don't want. I've also had family members of people that I blocked (along with blocking all mutual connections) recommended to me years later. It may not seem like a big deal but depending on your reasons for blocking people or avoiding them online it could be distressing for some. It did however make me seriously consider deleting my account once and for all (in the end I just locked all social media down even further). My personal experience made me think a little about how things have changed. In the past if you ended any kind of relationship (even non-romantic) you could simply choose to not see that person anymore and possibly go the rest of your life without bumping into them or hearing about them. Now, it is a gargantuan and almost impossible task. Like in the case of your friend it can be potentially dangerous but even in more basic cases it can be a mental burden and impossible (or very difficult) to draw a line under someone and move on. I'm rambling a little now but I'd be interested to know if anyone had research or articles they know of discussing this change in society and it's impact on people's wellbeing. I know it's been documented that social media can have a negative impact on mental health so I'd be curious to know if what I've discussed above is a significant factor in that.