CONNECTING, LEARNING, AND TRADING IN THE NEW WORLD

In the digital age, virtual communities like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become prominent platforms for connecting and broadcasting content. However, as technology evolved, the essence of community seemed to fade away. In this blog post, we explore a discussion from a webinar titled “Connect: How do we connect, learn, and trade for a new world?” led by One Earth founder Linzi Boyd, where insights were shared about the history and transformation of community connections.

THE JOURNEY: FROM COMMUNITY-DRIVEN TO BROADCAST-CENTRIC

Back in the day, communities were tightly knit, and people engaged in meaningful trades, supporting one another. Traditionally, people lived in close-knit communities, sharing resources and fostering strong bonds. However, with the onset of globalization and technological advancements, physical communities started to disperse as people began to move away from their homes and villages.

The rise of virtual communities like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the early 2000s attempted to fill the void left by physical communities. However, these platforms leaned towards content-driven broadcasting rather than purpose-driven connections. The connections felt synthetic, lacking the authenticity and real-life interactions present in traditional communities.

THE INFLUENCE OF TED TALKS AND VISUAL PLATFORMS

TED Talks entered the scene, shifting the focus from mere content broadcasting to engaging visual platforms. Business leaders took the stage, becoming the new celebrities, discussing not just commercial matters but also purpose-driven topics. However, despite the visual appeal, the platforms remained mostly broadcast-centric.

Subsequently, YouTube’s popularity surged, with people embracing video-based learning. Many individuals, especially the younger generation, turned to YouTube as a valuable educational resource, even sharing their knowledge with teachers in traditional classrooms.

THE RISE OF AUDIO AND THE QUEST FOR INTEGRATION

As technology continued to evolve, Clubhouse emerged, revolutionizing the online space with audio-based interactions. While it provided a sense of community and connection, participants were still operating in siloed spaces, primarily focusing on individual growth and business development.

A significant trend emerged: the transition from offline physical communities to virtual platforms, from broadcast- centric to moving image, and now to audio interactions. However, the overarching direction is moving towards integration—a shift from individualistic silos to collective collaboration.

CLOSING THE GAPS AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE

According to insights shared, there are still gaps to be filled—both in technology and between online and offline interactions. However, these gaps also present vast opportunities for future growth and development. As the trend moves towards integration, the focus shifts from “ME” to “WE,” emphasizing the holistic experience for customers and their journeys.

The integration of various elements will eventually lead to the emergence of technology platforms that seamlessly integrate all aspects of the community experience.

Look out for Part 2 of this series where we will delve deeper into the importance of broadcasting purpose-driven content within communities.