British youngsters have over 200 Facebook friends on average but most could only turn to two friends for support in a crisis, according to survey by Macmillan Cancer Support.
The poll of 1,000 people between the ages of 18 to 35 disturbingly found that one in eight, or 13 per cent, didn't have a single person to talk to when faced with a "serious problem." They also found that men were worse off than woman.
While the difference between Facebook 'friends' and real friends is hardly a shock to anyone, the poll also found that social network had a negative impact on real friendships, adding that some met up with their real friends less often as a result of social networking.
"It is surprising and concerning that people confide in such a small number of friends and family - and more so that others may not confide in anyone," said Jeannie Wilkinson, a Relate counselor.
This week is Cancer Talk Week which aims to encourage people to talk about cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support said that the charity can help with those difficult conversations.
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