In “Friendships Have Never Been So Easy – Or So Quiet,” an editorial in the Globe and Mail, Judith Timson discusses the recent prevalence of virtual communication as a primary way of maintaining friendships. , and examines the pros and cons of this phenomenon using statistics, expert testimony, and anecdotal evidence. Timson tactfully expresses his concerns about the diminishing face-to-face bonding time shared among friends without overtly pronouncing his bias against online connection, and superficially applauds the convenience of virtual communication while alluding to the irreplaceable importance of face-to-face connections. Ultimately, Timson strives to instill in readers an appreciation of friendship, reminding them that effective management of friendships must always be supported by emotional support through face-to-face contact. Timson begins the article with an empathetic tone by describing the commonly experienced experience of maintaining friendships via online communication, and coined the term "silent friendships" to emphasize this phenomenon as the central point of his article, and further provides readers with statistics and expert testimony that explains its concerns. Somewhat resigned, Timson admits that she is going with the flow, while hinting at her slight dissatisfaction with the friendship practice of "going weeks, even months, without seeing or hearing each other's voices." To give a sense of the extent to which online communication has revolutionized people's, particularly women's, friendships, Timson cites a well-known and reliable source to show that his concerns are in no way excessive or exaggerated. Additionally, Timson fearfully, albeit calmly, reflects in the middle of the article...the possible failure encountered by readers prompts them to think critically about the dynamics of a healthy friendship and encourages readers to reflect. ways to improve their interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, “Friendships Have Never Been So Easy – Or So Quiet” is an op-ed wrapped in subtle but powerful critiques of the reliance on technology-mediated friendships and passionate praise for the value of face. -to face. communication. Timson uses statistics, expert testimony, and anecdotal evidence to impress upon readers that face-to-face interactions provide a sentimentality that online communication lacks. Although Timson may have put off some readers with his overly delicate expressions, the article is nonetheless a well-written article that can be identified with by most who have had direct experience with the concept of "silent friendships" from Timson..”