Filipinos had mixed reactions after learning that Friendster, considered one of the first modern social networking platforms, had made a comeback with many changes.
Millennials and older Zoomers (Generation Z) were among the users of the social networking platform that once dominated the internet before the rise of sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Threads.
Friendster was known for allowing users to create their own profile and customize them with themes, glitter graphics, background music, games and other widgets using HTML/CSS.
It also allowed users to write “testimonials,” or public messages of appreciation and comments on a user’s wall, with Filipinos previously often saying “Pahingi testi” to their friends.
Friendster also allowed users to upload and share photos, post blogs, join online communities and groups and send messages.
The platform was popular among Filipino users from around 2003 to 2005, with internet cafes filled with people customizing their profiles and writing testimonials for their Friendster connections.
Around 2008 and onward, Filipinos shifted to Facebook, which was then a cleaner and faster social networking platform.
By Tuesday, April 28, reports of Friendster’s comeback surfaced online after some users noticed its availability as an app on the Apple App Store.
“The website is up at may app na rin, but only for iPhones pa ‘yung available. Nakita ko lang while browsing on App Store,” a Filipino Redditor said.
It was later reported by news publications, further raising awareness among Filipinos.
The major differences from the original Friendster were noted, drawing mixed reactions from former users.
“Disappointed naman ako, ‘di ganyan ‘yung Friendster ih,” an X wrote after learning the features of the revamped version.
“Nakakatuwang makita na bumalik na ang Friendster. Parang throwback sa mga panahong mas simple pa ang social media. Ang saya lang isipin na ‘it’s good to be back!’ Medyo hassle lang mag-add ng friends kasi kailangan magkalapit talaga ‘yung dalawang phone para makapag-connect,” another wrote.
“Lipat na tayo dito, wala [nang] kwenta Facebook at Messenger ei.
Friendster finally launched their app! Check it out now and see if it’s also available on your Android phones. My inner child is happy!” another commented.
“Mas maganda ‘yung Friendster na hindi kung sino-sino ang ia-add mong ‘friends,’ very private, and you can only add people when you meet. So talagang kilala or nakilala mo. Although hindi siya kagaya ng dati, okay lang, pero sana pwede maglagay ng background music!! Hahahahahahaha,” a Threads user wrote.
“Friendster is not back, name lang ‘yong nagbalik and not the OG Friendster na nakasanayan natin. How to add a friend? Dami kong nakikitang post nag download ng Friendster at sabi ‘add me or here’s my profile,’ without knowing how to really add a friend,” another Pinoy said.
“You need both phones closer to each other, phones will communicate thru Bluetooth. Ang motto ng company ay ‘where friends are actually your friends,’ so no strangers allowed to lessen toxicity kasi ‘yon naman talaga dati ‘yong environment ng Friendster,” the Pinoy added.
“Thoughts ko sa FRIENDSTER app since na-hype siya because a lot of people thought it’s the same old Friendster na kinalakihan natin,” another wrote.
“Una, hindi siya ‘yung type na magse-search ka lang ng username or account name para mag-add ng friends. More on nearby connection siya… parang open bluetooth then both users need to connect if magkalapit kayo or same location. Honestly, very share it app vibes,” the Threads user added.
“For me, medyo nakulangan ako kasi iba ‘yung expectation ng mga tao. Kapag sinabing Friendster, automatic may nostalgia factor… testimonials, customizing profile, adding mutuals, old social networking feels. So syempre, mataas expectation,” the Threads user continued.
Friendster 2.0
The Friendster domain was brought by computer programmer Mike Carson this week, who said he “wanted to create something positive,” adding that he remembered Friendster as “a really positive and enjoyable experience.”
The new Friendster platform has no ads, no algorithms that automatically display content based on users’ data or behavior, and no data selling.
Carson also said he designed it so that users can only connect with people they know in real life or have already met by tapping their phones together.
He likewise said that connections on Friendster can “soften” if two friends go a full year without tapping their phones.
“Not a punishment — a gentle nudge that real friendships are kept alive in person, not online,” Carson shared.
“All of this is built around the simple idea that real friendships happen when you actually meet in person,” he said.
The programmer also said that he would “probably offer a paid plan for premium features down the road.”
