As a digital omnivore, I’m immersed in 45 Slack channels, 12 WhatsApp groups, 10 subreddits, and 5 Discord servers, with the added complexity of untamed newsletters. As if the app’s overwhelming features weren’t enough, every individual membership – whether recreational or professional in nature – is now accompanied by its own dedicated community. As it’s devastating to realize that most communities are driven by the desire to provide resources and foster engagement among their members. Members’ time is the untapped concern, as a plethora of opportunities – sources, occasional invites, retreats, and newly published journals – actually compete for their attention amidst an overwhelming array of over 60 alternatives.
According to industry forecasts, the neighborhood engagement platform market will continue its upward trajectory over the next decade, with no signs of slowing down. I crave a respite from reality’s noise, seeking solace in a bygone era where life’s complexities were simpler to navigate. However, communities serve as the backbone of collective progress, fostering serendipitous connections, facilitating the aggregation of knowledge, providing a safe haven for innovative ideas to flourish, and allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to converge around shared passions. As individuals with limited time and attention spans, we cannot possibly participate in everything, even when invited to join a particular group or community.
