Political science teacher Mr. Jones asks his students to study how social media can influence public opinion by "following" famous activists, academics, and politicians on Twitter. While reading and exchanging each other’s Tweets, some classmates became close friends. The first is an example of the project’s function, the second is an example of the project’s _ function.

Manifest function: In sociology, the term manifest function is defined as an intended and recognized results of a particular social pattern. In order to analyze or report the manifest function of any of the social institutions, a person needs to study its related contribution to the group's, society's, and community's continuation.

Latent function: In sociology, the term latent function is defined as a particular social pattern that is beneficial, unconscious, and unintended and possesses a positive impact on society.

In the question above, the given statement represents the manifest and latent function.