A New Google: Understanding Habitual Recall and the Role of Community

Hatched by Kazuki
Jul 11, 2023
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A New Google: Understanding Habitual Recall and the Role of Community
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, competition for user attention is fierce. One company that has managed to capture and retain a significant portion of that attention is Google. However, as new players emerge, the question arises: how can one build a product that not only rivals Google's search capabilities but also creates habitual recall? This article explores the concept of habitual recall and the role of community in achieving it, drawing insights from various sources.
Google's rise to popularity in 2000 was primarily due to hackers realizing its superiority over other search engines like Lycos or Excite. This phenomenon is happening again, with early adopters shifting their allegiance from Google to alternative platforms. The key to attracting and retaining users lies in creating a product that offers more than just search functionality. By focusing on specific verticals like electric product search, travel, or code, one can build a site that becomes the go-to destination for users looking for information and resources in those areas. This shift from being just a search engine to a comprehensive destination is where community comes into play.
Understanding the nature of desire is crucial in capturing users' attention and creating habitual recall. Desire, unlike needs, is an intellectual appetite for things that we perceive as good, even if we have no instinctual basis for wanting them. Thomas Aquinas referred to this intellectual appetite as the 'will' - a driving force that compels us to strive towards our desires. However, desire is a complex social process that is heavily influenced by external models and social interactions.
Renowned philosopher RenΓ© Girard argued that desire is not something we fully control but is largely shaped by social influences. We are drawn to desire what others desire, often without realizing it. This mimetic desire can lead to unnecessary competition and rivalry as we vie for the same objects of desire. Recognizing the models that influence our desires, both internal (people within our world) and external (celebrities or historical figures), can help us gain a better understanding of our own desires and free ourselves from unnecessary mimetic attraction.
To gain control over our desires, it is important to identify the system of desire we are enmeshed in. Whether it is seeking the approval of specific people or conforming to societal expectations, understanding the driving forces behind our desires allows us to take a critical distance from them. By mapping out our desires' history and recognizing their origins, we can differentiate between fleeting desires and those that align with our core values and long-term fulfillment.
One common source of mimetic desire in today's society is social media. These platforms act as mimetic machines, constantly mediating desires through the content we consume and the people we follow. It is crucial to assess the impact of our social media consumption on our desires. Are the people we follow leading us to develop positive aspirations, or are they causing us more anxiety? Similarly, we must also be mindful of the models we become for others and the desires we inadvertently shape through our actions.
Ultimately, the most anti-mimetic attitude one can adopt is an openness to wonder and a desire to let reality surprise us. By embracing this mindset, we can break free from the never-ending cycle of desiring more and find contentment in the present moment. Material possessions, often seen as symbols of desire, are merely tools to be used rather than sources of lasting happiness. True happiness comes from within and can be found by aligning our lifestyles with our values and practicing discipline.
In conclusion, building a product that can compete with Google and create habitual recall requires going beyond simple search functionality. By focusing on specific verticals and creating a community around them, one can establish a destination that offers more than just information. Understanding the complex nature of desire, the influence of social models, and the impact of mimetic desire is crucial in capturing user attention and fostering long-term engagement. To achieve this, it is important to identify and free ourselves from unnecessary mimetic attractions, find our own north star, and embrace an open-minded and contented attitude.
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