The Long-Lost Weirdness of the Social Internet and How Learning Happens

The Long-Lost Weirdness of the Social Internet and How Learning Happens

In a world dominated by social media giants like Facebook, it's easy to forget the days of Myspace and Tumblr. These platforms embraced individuality and customization, allowing users to express themselves in unique ways. Kaitlyn Tiffany, in her article for The Atlantic, aptly describes Tumblr as an "online underground" where users could escape the prying eyes of their mothers. However, as Facebook rose to prominence, these platforms faded into obscurity. Myspace, in particular, was valued for its customizability, allowing users to create profiles that were radically different from others. The desire for individuality was at the core of Myspace's appeal.

But as the social internet evolved, platforms like Facebook stamped out individuality in favor of conformity. People began to long for the days of personalization and creative expression. This longing opens up opportunities for new social platforms to be built, with an emphasis on creativity and customizability. Three areas of interest in this regard are 3D creative expression, memes, and pseudonymity.

The rise of virtual reality and augmented reality presents a unique opportunity for 3D creative expression. Imagine social spaces that are purpose-built for creativity, where users can customize their environments and interact with others in immersive ways. These spaces would allow for a new level of self-expression and individuality, bringing back the sense of customization that was lost in the transition to mainstream social media platforms.

Memes have become a language of their own in the digital age. They are how ideas spread and evolve within online communities. The internet has accelerated the speed and scale at which memes are shared, and new tools make it easier than ever to create and share memes. Understanding the power of memes and harnessing their potential for creativity and expression can lead to the development of new social platforms that cater to the language of the digital natives.

Another shift that has taken place in recent years is a move towards individuality. In the past, people sought to fit in and conform, even going so far as to give their children popular names. But now, uniqueness and standing out have become highly valued. This desire for individuality extends to the online world as well. People no longer want to have the same online persona as everyone else. They want to express themselves in ways that make them stand out. Platforms that allow for self-expression, often through the adoption of new online identities, will thrive in a world that values individuality.

Pseudonymity, or the ability to adopt a new online identity, plays a significant role in enabling self-expression. Your online identity becomes a choice rather than a form to fill out on a profile. The best online spaces provide users with the freedom to explore and create, allowing them to be whoever they want to be. These spaces feel like entire new universes where anything is possible. The return of Y2K culture among Gen Z, embracing the aesthetics and music of the 90s and early 2000s, is a testament to the appeal of alternative identities and the desire for unique self-expression.

Now, let's shift our focus to the process of learning. David Perell, in his article on how learning happens, highlights the importance of inspiration in the learning process. Inspiration is the engine behind motivation and the glue that makes ideas stick. When we are inspired, we are capable of extraordinary feats of learning. However, traditional education often relies on fear and survival mode to drive learning. Exams, essays, and the pursuit of a diploma create a sense of fear and obligation rather than genuine inspiration.

To foster a love for learning, we need to inspire people. Enjoyable learning begins with inspiration, both to get started and to push through the challenges of acquiring knowledge. Inspiration transcends the world of needs and lives in the world of wants. It stirs the mind and creates a thirst for knowledge. As we acquire skills, we realize that perfection is not a summit to reach but an asymptote to continually strive for. Inspiration is what moves the people who relentlessly pursue knowledge.

Creating an alternative to the fear-based approach of traditional education requires embracing entertainment. Storytelling, for example, is a powerful tool for inspiring people at scale. A popular documentary can spark more interest in a subject than the best textbooks ever will. Attitudes aren't taught; they are caught. Good teachers take responsibility for inspiring their students, just as good writers take responsibility for making their ideas clear. Context, stories, metaphors, and examples are the intellectual glue that makes ideas stick. By starting with something catchy and relevant, we can avoid falling into the toils of survival mode.

To conclude, the long-lost weirdness of the social internet can be revived through new platforms that emphasize creativity, customizability, and individuality. The rise of 3D creative expression, the power of memes, and the appeal of pseudonymity all provide opportunities for innovation in the social media landscape. Similarly, the process of learning can be transformed by focusing on inspiration rather than fear. Embracing entertainment and storytelling can foster a love for learning and make knowledge acquisition a more enjoyable experience.

Three actionable pieces of advice that emerge from these insights are:

1. Embrace alternative online identities and provide users with the freedom to express themselves in unique ways. Create platforms that allow for customization and individuality.

2. Recognize the power of memes as a language of communication. Develop tools and platforms that make it easier for users to create and share memes, allowing for the rapid spread of ideas and cultural references.

3. Foster inspiration in the learning process. Move away from fear-based approaches and embrace entertainment and storytelling to make learning enjoyable and engaging. Create contexts and examples that make knowledge relevant and relatable.

By incorporating these insights into the development of new social platforms and educational approaches, we can create online spaces and learning environments that truly embrace the individual, encourage creativity, and inspire a love for learning.