"The Power of Presence and Creative Genius: Uniting Social Media and Gaming"

"The Power of Presence and Creative Genius: Uniting Social Media and Gaming"

In today's digital age, the concept of presence holds immense importance when it comes to engaging users with any service or platform. This is evident in the rise of virtual reality (VR) technology, where the sense of being in the same space as someone else is maximized. However, presence is not limited to VR alone. Even in existing social networking sites (SNS), there exists a certain level of presence that contributes to their appeal.

For instance, LINE, a popular messaging app, considers the "read" status as a vital element for users to share the same space and feel connected. This highlights the significance of presence within SNS platforms. Moreover, there has been a recent trend of consolidating various apps into a single access point, allowing users to navigate seamlessly across different platforms. This integration further emphasizes the role of presence in SNS.

While presence is a crucial aspect of SNS, it is not the sole factor that determines their success. This is where the world of gaming comes into play. Games offer a highly immersive and quality entertainment experience, making them an ideal medium for shared activities. Founders of Houseparty, a social networking app, expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance-based stage presence exhibited through photo-sharing on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They believed that true social interaction should be more private and personal, rather than a distorted form of connection in a public setting.

The next decade may witness the transformation of gaming into a dominant platform that surpasses traditional SNS platforms. This can be attributed to the inherent qualities of gaming that facilitate genuine social experiences. However, to fully tap into one's creative genius, certain principles must be embraced.

One of these principles is the notion of deliberate practice, as exemplified by professional chess players. These players can assess a situation and determine their next move in a matter of seconds due to the countless hours they have spent practicing. Similarly, creativity requires consistent effort and commitment over an extended period. Cognitive psychology professor John Hayes discovered that most groundbreaking works in music, poetry, and painting emerged after a decade of dedicated practice.

Another vital aspect is the willingness to produce imperfect work. Picasso famously stated, "It took me thirty years to draw that masterpiece in thirty seconds." This highlights the importance of accepting that initial drafts or creations may not be flawless. Amateurs rely on inspiration to create, while professionals adhere to a schedule and keep producing work, regardless of its quality. Embracing imperfection allows for growth and improvement over time.

To nurture your creative genius, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Give yourself permission to create junk: Don't strive for perfection from the start. Allow yourself to create imperfect work and embrace the learning process. This will help build momentum and overcome the fear of failure.

2. Finish something, anything: Instead of endlessly researching and planning, take action and complete a project. It doesn't have to be groundbreaking; the goal is to prove to yourself that you have the ability to produce something tangible.

3. Share your work publicly: Sharing your creations will hold you accountable and provide valuable feedback for improvement. It will also connect you with like-minded individuals who can inspire and motivate you to continue your creative journey.

In conclusion, the combination of presence in SNS platforms and the immersive nature of gaming has the potential to create a powerful and transformative social experience. To unlock your creative genius, practice deliberate effort, embrace imperfection, finish projects, and share your work with others. Remember, inspiration is the reward for persistence and dedication.