Why would you add people you don't know on Facebook?

[Megan]

I was doing an experiment last month, since I'm a psychology major and I had to make a conclusion if people are less careful, than e few years ago.

So i decided to use the social media to determine this. Since I always got random strangers adding me, I was wondering why and I thought this would help my studies (as it did actually).

So i made a fake Facebook profile (I know it's against the rules, so I will delete it - don't judge).

I've put only a few pictures, a few posts, clearly this was a new account, but nobody cared.

And I started adding random strangers. I wanted to know how many people will accept my request until I reach 100 rejects / not now.

I chose all sort of people - young, old, some with public profiles, some set to friends only. They were from different countries and most of them weren't gamers.

And you know what? 330 people added me back, and 100 rejected or left my request pending.

How come people are so trustful? I could be anyone. They're giving me access to their private information and they didn't even care? Why is that? Do they feel popular / liked if strangers add them? What's your opinion on this?
And if you would add anyone as those people, please explain your reasons to do so (or not to do so). : ))))

[batman]

Well I used to send a request to every one in an attempt to get more friends because I was jealous of my cousin having 1000 friends, I'd also accept anybody

[L T]

The only reason I have added people I don't know was for gaming purposes. I have very little info on my profile and have my settings set on family only so I feel a little safer. As for others I can't give you an answer.

[?]

Thats what ive been wondering too i have some friends who have many fb friends but i bet they arent close for me i never add someone idk well except if he or she knows my friend. So i think this ppl adding just anyone wants to be popular or they r looking for someone to chat with seriously i dont get it either!