The Hard Thing About Building Communities and Embracing Technological Forces

The Hard Thing About Building Communities and Embracing Technological Forces

Communities are built on trust. People contribute to communities because they believe that their time and energy will be put to good use. Trust is the foundation that allows community members to increase their commitments over time. However, building trust is not easy. Communities need to prove that their intentions are earnest, their goals are achievable, and their values align with those of their members.

One key aspect of building trust within a community is achieving the first win. Enthusiasm alone is not enough to keep a community alive. People need to see tangible results and feel that their contributions are making a difference. This is why it is crucial for communities to clearly define their goals and how they will help individuals achieve them. When community members see that their goals align with the community's goals, they are more likely to trust and commit to the community.

But why do even smart people sometimes fail to build successful communities? One reason is having unrealistic expectations about the process. Building a community takes time and effort. It is not something that can be copied from existing communities or achieved overnight. People often want to play house and have the appearance of a community without putting in the necessary work to create real value.

In his book "The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future," Kevin Kelly explores the transformative power of technology. One of the forces he identifies is "Becoming," the idea that technology is constantly evolving and shaping our future. This is evident in the rapid obsolescence of phone apps, where the average lifespan is only 30 days. In this fast-paced environment, it is challenging to master anything before it becomes outdated, keeping individuals in a perpetual state of being a newbie.

Kelly also introduces the concept of "Protopia," a state of becoming rather than a destination. In this mode, things are slightly better today than they were yesterday, but only by a small margin. This incremental progress is what drives technological advancement. As we continue to learn and improve, we contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity.

Another key idea from Kelly's book is the shift in value from copies to things that cannot be easily replicated. When something becomes free and ubiquitous, its economic value diminishes. The true value lies in what cannot be copied, such as trust and generative qualities. Trust is essential in an era where information is abundant but attention is scarce. Attention follows where trust is established.

Technology also enables new ways of accessing and interacting with information. With the rise of digital platforms, sharing becomes the default mode. Accessing services often requires a stronger commitment than purchasing physical goods. The sharing economy is on the rise, with most goods and services becoming candidates for rental and sharing. The success of individuals is increasingly intertwined with the success of others.

In this digital age, the role of editors and curators becomes crucial. They help shape the vast amount of information available and enhance the quality of content. The future will see companies that harness the power of sharing in ways that are currently invisible and unappreciated. The possibilities for sharing are endless, and as technology advances, new ways of sharing will emerge.

However, it is important to strike a balance between sharing and preserving privacy. Anonymity can protect the persecuted and enable whistleblowers, but excessive anonymity can poison the system. Finding the right balance is essential for the healthy functioning of communities.

In conclusion, building communities and embracing technological forces require trust, realistic expectations, and a focus on creating value. Communities thrive when individuals see that their contributions are making a difference and that their goals align with the community's goals. Technology constantly evolves, and it is important to adapt and embrace these changes. Trust and attention are valuable commodities in a world of abundant information. The future will see the rise of the sharing economy and the importance of curators in shaping the digital landscape. To navigate this ever-changing landscape successfully, individuals and communities must continue to learn, adapt, and embrace new possibilities.

Actionable Advice:

1. Clearly define the goals of your community and how it will help individuals achieve their goals. This alignment is crucial for building trust and commitment.
2. Embrace technology and stay informed about the latest advancements. Understand how technology can enhance your community and the value you provide.
3. Find the right balance between sharing and privacy. Foster an environment that encourages sharing while respecting the boundaries and needs of individuals within the community.