Afaik, in English friend was always anyone you was at good terms with. "This is my friend, John" never implied super close relationship. It could be a guy from high school you haven't seen 7 years.
The other thing is that people organize tool borrowing and mutual help on social media now. Even close knit groups who helps each other a lot do it there. When you leave social media, you also left group. Just like in old times not showing up anymore in that common tavern meant leaving the group.
The other thing is that people organize tool borrowing and mutual help on social media now. Even close knit groups who helps each other a lot do it there. When you leave social media, you also left group. Just like in old times not showing up anymore in that common tavern meant leaving the group.