A Guide to Curation in Community: The Future of Social is Bringing People Together

A Guide to Curation in Community: The Future of Social is Bringing People Together

In today's digital age, communities play a crucial role in connecting people with similar interests and passions. Whether it's a community centered around a specific topic, industry, or hobby, the value for members lies in the ability to access trusted and vetted information quickly. This is where curation comes into play.

When we curate, we not only provide our community members with a source filled with hand-picked information, but we also embark on a journey of learning and understanding the community we serve. As a community builder, it is our responsibility to be experts in our people, to be aware of the trends, conversations, and content that our members are interested in.

Before building a community, it is essential to research the ecosystem, also known as community discovery. This involves learning who our members are, what conversations they're having, and what content they're sharing. By understanding our community's needs and interests, we can curate content that is valuable and relevant to them.

However, curating content goes beyond just saving anything that seems interesting. It requires a critical evaluation of the value of the content. Is it worth saving? Is it valuable to our community? These are the questions we must ask ourselves before adding something to our curated collection. By making deliberate decisions about what to save, we ensure that our community receives the best and most valuable information.

Continued curation is essential for community builders. It ensures that we never run out of interesting questions to ask, content to write, and events to create. By consistently curating and adding new content to our community, we keep it fresh and engaging for our members. It also allows us to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in our community's space.

While tags and categories can help us stay structured in our curation efforts, it's important not to go overboard with them. Too many tags can make our curated collection chaotic and overwhelming for our members to navigate. Instead, focus on creating a repository of curated content that is easily accessible and organized, making it effortless for our community members to find what they need.

The future of social media is all about bringing people together. In the early days of social media, the tools were rudimentary, and the focus was on creating a more open and connected world where everyone had a voice. However, as social media evolved, likes and follows became the currency of validation, leading to a distorted perception of ourselves and social interactions becoming more like competitions.

Recognizing this shift, social media platforms like Facebook are now repositioning their efforts around more private communications. In private conversations, people tend to express their true selves and share more authentically. This shift towards privacy acknowledges the need for genuine connections and meaningful interactions, rather than just seeking validation through likes and followers.

Furthermore, the revenue models of top social media companies are predominantly based on advertising, with a major factor being the time users spend on the app. However, revenue models built on time spent are inherently zero-sum. They prioritize engagement over the quality of interactions, often leading to addictive behaviors and a loss of genuine connection.

The next wave of social products is shifting towards focusing on experiences rather than just media. The true essence of social interaction lies in shared experiences, whether it's attending a concert together, enjoying a meal, or simply hanging out with friends. These real-life experiences create lasting memories and foster genuine connections.

As community builders, we have the opportunity to shape this future of social by curating experiences for our members. By organizing events, facilitating meetups, and encouraging real-life interactions, we can create a community that goes beyond the digital realm. These experiences not only strengthen the bond between community members but also provide them with valuable opportunities to connect and learn from one another.

In conclusion, curation is a powerful tool for community builders. It allows us to provide our members with valuable and trusted information while also deepening our understanding of the community we serve. By curating experiences, we can shape the future of social media and create communities that prioritize genuine connections and shared moments.

Actionable Advice:

1. Continuously research and understand your community: Stay up-to-date with the trends, conversations, and content that your members are interested in. This will help you curate relevant and valuable information for your community.

2. Evaluate the value of content before saving: Before adding something to your curated collection, ask yourself if it is worth saving and if it will provide value to your community. By being selective, you ensure that your community receives the best information.

3. Focus on curating experiences: In addition to curating content, prioritize organizing events and facilitating real-life interactions for your community. This will foster genuine connections and create lasting memories for your members.

By implementing these actionable advice, you can enhance your curation efforts and create a thriving community that brings people together.