Alaka Halder: Building Digital Communities and Navigating a Hybrid World
Feb 27, 2022
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Alaka Halder, digital community builder, and Linus Lu discuss the difference between online and offline bonding, the challenges of building connections, and the importance of cultural proximity. They also talk about the purposes and challenges of communities, digital citizenship, and the considerations and difficulties of organizing hybrid events.
Proximity and active participation are crucial for building meaningful connections in both physical and digital communities.
Cultural proximity facilitates easier connections and exchanges, but it's challenging to transmit nonverbal cues and environmental context online.
Deep dives
Proximity in Community
Proximity in community, whether in the physical or digital realm, relies on accessible and repeated encounters with a degree of agency to foster relationships and outcomes. Simply being present in a community does not guarantee proximity if one cannot actively participate. The ability to understand cultural context, speak the language, or possess the necessary tools is essential for meaningful engagement. It is important to consider the objectives of different communities and the outcomes one aims to achieve. Digital and physical communities can complement each other, but each offers unique benefits and limitations. Real-world interactions allow for serendipitous encounters and shared experiences that can be challenging to replicate digitally. While the internet facilitates connections and finding like-minded individuals, there are certain aspects, such as physical presence, that are difficult to replace digitally.
Cultural Proximity and Environmental Cues
Beyond physical and digital proximity, cultural proximity plays a crucial role in community connections. Shared language, background, and interests foster easier connections and exchanges. Nonverbal and environmental cues in real-world interactions can significantly impact communication and how individuals engage with each other and their surroundings. These cues are challenging to transmit in online spaces, especially text-based mediums. Physical environments offer more opportunities for small talk, initial conversations, and a holistic understanding of the room's energy. Online communities might require guides or welcoming individuals to facilitate interactions and help newcomers feel comfortable. Establishing cultural proximity in digital spaces can enhance diversity and meaningful connections.
Balancing Digital and Real-World Communities
The purposes and focuses of communities differ in digital and real-world settings. Digital communities often revolve around shared interests, hobbies, or career-related activities, while real-world communities may prioritize children's education, mutual aid, or shared cosmic meaning through religious associations. Current technological limitations make specific real-world communal experiences challenging to replicate digitally. The energy derived from being physically present and the ease of interaction within a shared space are challenging to emulate online. However, as technology advances, including the potential of Web3 and the metaverse, it may become easier to bridge the gap between digital and real-world experiences. Striving for complementary relationships between digital and real-world communities can enhance human connections and offer diverse opportunities for engagement.
Hybrid Events: Structure and Considerations
Hybrid events that merge in-person and remote participation have both benefits and challenges. For successful hybrid events, structure and thoughtful planning are essential. Setting clear goals, creating agendas, and sending them to participants in advance is crucial. Implementing variety in the event's flow helps maintain engagement and prevent boredom. Ensuring equal participation opportunities for remote attendees from the beginning is essential to avoid feelings of exclusion. Balancing the number of on-site and remote participants is crucial to prevent disparities in interaction and avoid exclusionary conversations. Moderation, audio quality, and video settings are important factors to consider. Hybrid events tend to work well for smaller groups, while larger social events can be more challenging. Diligence and proactive management contribute to the success of hybrid events.
Interintellect hosts Alaka Halder and Linus Lu talk about the difference and similarities between online and offline bonding, how cities complicate connection, and how one can embark on building one's personal tribe.
Find more about Alaka Halder:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HalderAlaka
Website: https://www.alakahalder.xyz/
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