If you’ve logged into Roblox recently, you might be noticing a significant change to one of its core social features. The familiar “Friends” list, a staple of the platform for years, is being officially renamed to “Connections.”

This isn’t just a simple word swap. It’s a strategic move that signals a major evolution in how Roblox views its social ecosystem. But what does this mean for your current friend list, and why is Roblox making this change now?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the new “Connections” system on Roblox.

What is the “Connections” Update on Roblox?

At its core, the update rebrands the “Friends” system to “Connections.” Your existing list of friends will be automatically converted into your connections list. For the average player, the immediate functionality remains the same: you can still join your friends (now connections) in games, chat with them, and see when they’re online.

The key takeaway: You will not lose anyone on your list. The people you play with are safe!

However, this name change is laying the groundwork for a more sophisticated and diverse social system in the future.

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Why Did Roblox Change “Friends” to “Connections”?

This is the million-Robux question. While Roblox hasn’t released a detailed manifesto, the move aligns perfectly with their long-term vision. Here are the most likely reasons behind the change:

1. Broadening the Definition of Social Relationships

The term “Friend” implies a close, personal relationship. As Roblox “ages up” and attracts a wider demographic—including older teens, adults, creators, and even brands—not every social link is a “friendship.”

“Connections” is a more neutral and professional term. It can encompass a wider range of relationships:

Friends: The people you play with for fun.
Collaborators: Other developers you work with on a project.
Followers: Influencers or creators you want to keep up with.
Group Members: People you share a community with.

This change allows Roblox to build out different tiers of social links in the future without being limited by the word “friend.”

2. Future-Proofing the Platform

Think about other major platforms. On LinkedIn, you have “Connections.” On X (formerly Twitter), you have “Followers.” On Facebook, you have “Friends.” Each term defines the platform’s primary social interaction.

By adopting “Connections,” Roblox is positioning itself as a comprehensive social metaverse, not just a kids’ gaming site. This sets the stage for more advanced features, like professional networking for developers or brand-to-consumer interactions.

3. Enhancing Safety and Clarity

For a platform with a massive young audience, a subtle language change can also be a safety feature. The term “Connection” is less emotionally loaded than “Friend,” which can help younger users better understand the nature of online relationships. It subtly reinforces the idea that an online contact isn’t necessarily a real-life best friend.

How Will This Affect Your Roblox Experience?

For now, the impact on your day-to-day gameplay will be minimal. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect.

Will I Lose My Friends?

No. Your entire friends list will automatically become your connections list. You don’t need to do anything.

How Do I Add a New Connection?

The process remains the same, just with different text.

Search for a user’s profile.
Click the button that now says “Add Connection” (instead of “Add Friend”).
They will receive a connection request to accept.

What’s the Real Difference Right Now?

Currently, the main difference is the name. The core mechanics of joining games and chatting are unchanged. Think of this as Phase 1 of a much larger social overhaul. We can expect Roblox to roll out more features that differentiate types of connections in the coming months.

The Bigger Picture: Roblox’s Journey to a Full-Fledged Metaverse

This isn’t a random update. It’s a calculated piece of a larger puzzle. Roblox’s ambition is to be more than a game—it’s to be a persistent virtual world where people can play, work, socialize, and create.

Renaming “Friends” to “Connections” is a foundational step in building a social graph that can support that massive vision. It makes the platform more intuitive for developers, more appealing to brands, and more flexible for an ever-expanding user base.

So, while it may feel strange to see a new word in place of an old, familiar one, it’s a clear sign that Roblox is growing up, and it’s bringing its social features along for the ride.