The Power of Scaling Down: Building High-Trust Communities

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 06, 2023

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The Power of Scaling Down: Building High-Trust Communities

"Not so trivial." During my studies, I'd learned a few interesting things that I've never really talked to someone about and never tried to write them down. Now, I wish I had those insights written down so that I could analyze them a bit more. It is highly recommended to scribble down any spontaneous idea or thought, as you never know how this idea could help you in the future or even spark an even better idea. At Glasp, we embrace this practice, encouraging individuals to document their thoughts in a way that suits them best, be it through an app editor or a Google Docs file.

"Dunbar-scale social." A network of 150 friends has 22,350 relationships to keep track of. That's quite a few, and the number grows exponentially with the number of friends. This poses a bi-directional network scaling problem. Beyond 150, we start to run up against cognitive limits, a concept known as Dunbar's Number. Beyond this threshold, problems arise. It becomes challenging to keep track of all the players, allowing free-riders to get away with their actions. Sociopathic behaviors become personally advantageous in such a context.

This issue is not confined to hunter-gatherer societies; it extends to our modern interconnected world. We have become so deeply invested in connecting people that anything facilitating more connections is considered inherently good. The internet has made it possible to connect everyone to everyone, and social media platforms have harnessed this capability to rapidly generate massive network effects. However, we have now surpassed our Dunbar limit. Trust is virtually nonexistent, and sociopathic behaviors thrive due to personal benefits. Cooperation becomes less incentivized.

In the midst of this scenario, what if we scaled down? We can already observe this trend occurring as people retreat to group chats, Discords, and Slacks. Smaller, high-trust communities are emerging as a response to the challenges of maintaining meaningful connections in a vast network. By intentionally limiting the number of individuals within a community, it becomes easier to foster trust, collaboration, and genuine relationships.

In these smaller communities, individuals can focus on building deeper connections with a select group of like-minded individuals. They can share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences in a more intimate setting, where trust and cooperation flourish. By reducing the number of people involved, it becomes manageable to keep track of each member's contributions and hold them accountable. This accountability discourages sociopathic behaviors and encourages a more positive and supportive environment.

Scaling down also allows for more meaningful interactions. In large networks, interactions often become superficial and transactional. However, in smaller communities, individuals have the opportunity to engage in more meaningful conversations, delve into niche interests, and provide support to one another. These interactions contribute to personal growth, learning, and a sense of belonging.

To navigate the era of overwhelming connectivity, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Cultivate smaller communities: Instead of trying to connect with as many people as possible, focus on building smaller, high-trust communities where genuine connections can thrive. Seek out groups or platforms that align with your interests or values and actively participate in discussions and activities within these communities.
  • 2. Embrace intentional networking: When expanding your network, prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of amassing a large number of superficial connections, invest time and effort in building meaningful relationships with individuals who share your goals, interests, or professional aspirations. Seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals through conferences, workshops, or online communities.
  • 3. Prioritize trust and collaboration: Within your chosen communities, prioritize trust and collaboration. Foster an environment where individuals feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas openly, without fear of judgment or exploitation. Encourage cooperation and support among community members, creating a space that promotes personal and collective growth.

In conclusion, while our world may be driven by the pursuit of vast networks and countless connections, it is important to recognize the value of scaling down. By intentionally cultivating smaller, high-trust communities, we can overcome the cognitive limits of Dunbar's Number and foster genuine connections, trust, and collaboration. In a society overwhelmed by connectivity, scaling down becomes an essential tool in navigating the complexities of our digital age.

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