The Power of Connection: How Google and Meetups Transformed Society

The Power of Connection: How Google and Meetups Transformed Society

In the late 1990s, two Stanford University students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, embarked on a mission to organize the vast amount of information on the internet. From their humble beginnings in their dorm rooms, they created a search engine called Backrub, which used links to determine the importance of individual web pages. Little did they know that this search engine would evolve into the technological giant we now know as Google.

Google's mission from the start was to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." This drive for accessibility and usefulness has been at the core of Google's success. In 1998, Google Inc. was officially born when the co-founder of Sun Microsystems, Andy Bechtolsheim, wrote Larry and Sergey a check for $100,000. From there, Google's unconventional methods became evident, from their Lego server to the first "Google Doodle" in 1998, where a stick figure in the logo announced that the entire staff was playing hooky at the Burning Man Festival. This spirit of unconventionality was captured in their famous motto, "Don't be evil."

While Google was revolutionizing the way we access information, another phenomenon was quietly taking place - the meetup. In a world where technology was connecting people virtually, there was still a yearning for genuine human connection. Sharing photos and messages online was not enough to satisfy this need. People wanted to come together, to meet in person, and experience the power of real-life interaction.

The meetup became a way for individuals to become more human. When people come together in person, they tend to help, teach, and lean on each other. It is through these personal interactions that empathy, trust, and genuine relationships are formed. In the last decade, meetups went from being a niche phenomenon to a widespread cultural norm. The things that typically divided us - politics, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, class, nationality - started to become secondary and surmountable.

The need to be seen, heard, and understood by a community of people who depend on each other is fundamental to what makes us human. Technology played a crucial role in facilitating these connections, bringing people together and pushing them to interact offline. This new form of community emerged, creating new constellations of people who shared common interests and goals.

In a meetup, bonds are formed, conversations flow, relationships blossom, and opportunities arise. The act of coming together creates a community with capacity, a support system that holds its members accountable and encourages them to act and mentor one another. When a billion people started turning towards each other, it didn't just change their lives - it changed everyone's lives.

In 2027, meetups have become a regular occurrence for a billion people. These meetups take place in new connected spaces that form a new commons, allowing individuals to find the just-right group to hike, bike, meditate, and share life's joys and challenges. The power of these meetups goes beyond personal benefits; it creates a contagion of resiliency and empowerment.

So, what can we learn from the stories of Google and meetups? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace unconventional methods: Google's success can be attributed, in part, to their willingness to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore unconventional approaches to problem-solving.

• 2. Prioritize human connection: In a world dominated by technology, it's easy to overlook the importance of genuine human interaction. Make a conscious effort to prioritize face-to-face connections and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with others.

• 3. Seek out communities: Whether it's through meetups, online forums, or interest-based groups, actively seek out communities of like-minded individuals. These communities can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, the stories of Google and meetups demonstrate the power of connection. Google's mission to organize information and make it accessible aligns with the fundamental human need to be seen, heard, and understood. Meetups, on the other hand, fulfill our innate desire for in-person interaction and community. By embracing unconventional methods, prioritizing human connection, and seeking out communities, we can harness the transformative power of connection in our own lives.