Celebrate National Unfriend Day

Jimmy Kimmel wants to clean up your Facebook friends list

How many friendships did you get rid of for today's holiday?

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel declared November 17 National Unfriend Day two weeks ago on his TV show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

"Friendship is a sacred thing and I believe Facebook is cheapening it," he said.

Having 1,000 real friends is impossible, according to Kimmel, and he offered a way to determine who your real Facebook friends are.

Just post a status update saying you need help moving this weekend. Anyone who responds is your friend, anyone who doesn't should be unfriended immediately.

Research seems to support Kimmel's the-fewer-friends-the-better idea. Robin Dunbar, a professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford University, conducted a study on the topic. He found that the human brain is only capable of managing 150 friendships at once.

There are more than 500 million active users on the Palo Alto-based social network. Even 92 percent of U.S. babies under two years old are online, so it's no surprise there might be a few unnecessary friends floating around.

"Cut out some of the friend fat in your life," Kimmel said.

But before you do, review CNET's seven things to consider before Facebook unfriending. Rule number one is to "keep watch on your frenemies."

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