If you ever wondered why you’ve been friended or de-friended, new research from NM Incite may explain why. NM Incite, a Nielsen McKinsey company, shared extensive data to explain Facebook users’ social networking activities.

Why We Friend
At 82%, the top reason for friending someone is because you know that person in real life. While some people believe that today’s technology has diminished face-to-face interactions, this research proves that relationships developed via face-to-face interactions is still the most important factor in expanding online networks. Mutual friends was the second highest reason coming in at 60%.

Why We De-Friend
The number one reason we de-friend users is offensive comments (55%). Not knowing someone that well (41%) and sales-oriented content (39%) came in a close second and third. While offline factors determine whether or not users friend one another, online activities and practices prove to be the main reason for de-friending.

When it comes to social media activities, men are more likely to use social media for careers, networking, and dating, while women use social media as a creative outlet, participate in promos, collect coupons, and give positive feedback.

The “State of Social Media Survey” polled 1,895 social media users over age 18 from March 31 to April 14 earlier this year.