Every once in a while I come across some article that seeks to answer the question of whether or not one should become Facebook friends with one’s boss. The answer, according to the Washington Post is “not simple” (there was even a study). And according to other articles, there are all kinds of reasons not to do so.

I’ve never bothered writing about it because it seemed like such a silly topic, but today I stumbled across another article about it, and I’ve decided we really should cover it because, come on, this is ridiculous. There is actually no good reason why you should not be social media or real life friends with your boss if you want to be, and a few reasons why it’s actually better than not being friends with your boss.

Here are four reasons to be social media friends with your boss.

1. It’s a free world and you are not a child. Unless you are a child, in which case, why are you reading the Workopolis careers blog? Are you a child genius? (If so, congratulations!) No, but seriously. Grownups should be able to govern their friendships and work relationships like grownups. This means that you can be friends with your colleagues, your superiors, and even your juniors (for lack of a better term) if you want to and, as long as you behave accordingly everything will be fine.

2. It keeps you in line. One of the rules we should all try to live by is “always behave as though someone you want to impress is watching.” I’m not always (or, um, usually) successful. But one thing that certainly helps is to make sure someone I want to impress actually is watching. In reality, I think we should want to impress – meaning make a good impression on – everyone. But most of us are probably a little more inclined to behave ourselves when the person who cuts our cheques is in the (figurative) room. When the boss is watching you might be less inclined to swear, get into stupid online arguments, complain, or post drunk naked pictures of yourself acting like an idiot, and in most cases not doing these things is better than doing them.

3. It’s nice. Everyone likes to have friends. Even the most neurotic among us – those who gnash teeth and hem and haw over who to be friends with and who not to be friends with – just want to be liked and appreciated for who we are as people. Asking someone to be friends with you is an indicator that you like them and most people appreciate that, or should.

4. It’s good networking. On a more calculating level, being friends with your superiors is good for your career, as people who are liked are top of mind then time comes for promotions or recommendations. In most cases your career will only expand as far as your network, so the more people who know and like you as a person, the better off you’ll be.

So, go hit that “add friend” button. It’s a good idea.