Welcome to the Spontaneous Internet: Why Do People Collect Things?

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Sep 27, 2023

3 min read

0

Welcome to the Spontaneous Internet: Why Do People Collect Things?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, we are witnessing the rise of next-generation social platforms that prioritize three key elements: spontaneity, social interaction, and raw content. These apps bring a sense of serendipity to our online experience, making it friendlier and more engaging. The success of these platforms serves as a reminder that we all crave a little more humanity, immediacy, and spontaneity in our digital lives.

But why do we, as humans, have this inherent desire for collecting things? What drives us to accumulate valuable and scarce objects? One of the reasons is scarcity itself. The search for value, whether it be emotional or monetary, pushes us to seek out and acquire items that are considered rare or unique. The possession of these objects can provide us with the resources to live a prosperous life.

However, the need to collect goes beyond mere scarcity. It is deeply rooted in our primal survival instincts. The emotional value attached to objects is just as important as their scarcity. For example, losing a family heirloom or a sentimental item can leave us feeling a profound sense of loss that no amount of money can ever recover. The emotional connection we have with certain items makes them irreplaceable and invaluable to us.

Another reason people collect things is the desire to cultivate positive connections and increase their sense of belonging in a group. Collecting can serve as a common ground for individuals with similar interests to come together and form communities. These communities or "tribes" provide a space for like-minded individuals to share their passion, knowledge, and experiences. It is within these communities that people find a sense of belonging and fulfillment.

In the digital realm, web highlighters serve as a prime example of collecting in the virtual world. Users can collect excerpts about topics of their interest from various sources and compile them in one place. This not only allows individuals to gather valuable information but also enables them to connect with others who share their interests. Web highlighters provide a space where people can find their "tribe" and engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations.

As we continue to explore the possibilities of the internet and build the next big thing, it is crucial to ask ourselves how these advancements improve the experience of hanging out online. Does it provide people with a space to connect and interact? Does it foster a sense of spontaneity and immediacy? The future of online platforms lies in designing for these qualities and giving people new places to hang out and engage.

In conclusion, the Spontaneous Internet and the innate desire to collect things are interconnected in the sense that they both fulfill our need for human connection, spontaneity, and a sense of belonging. As we venture into the future of the internet, it is important to prioritize these elements in our designs and innovations. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

  • 1. Embrace spontaneity: Incorporate features that allow for unexpected interactions and serendipitous discoveries. This can range from random chat features to personalized content recommendations based on users' interests.
  • 2. Foster social engagement: Create spaces where like-minded individuals can come together, share their passions, and form communities. Encourage collaboration, discussions, and the exchange of ideas to foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
  • 3. Design for accessibility and curation: Provide users with tools that allow them to collect, organize, and access content that is valuable to them. This can include web highlighters, bookmarking features, or personalized content feeds.

By incorporating these principles into our digital platforms, we can create a more engaging, spontaneous, and socially connected internet experience for all users. The future is bright for the Spontaneous Internet, and it's up to us to shape it into a space that fosters human connection and enhances our digital lives.

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