…in the vast expanse of the digital realm, small islands of coherence have emerged in the looming shadow of “Big Tech”. Small but mighty, these pockets are exploring the frontiers of interconnected media and human connection…
As you gaze across the horizon from the safety and solitude of your camp, a solitary pillar of smoke billows into the sky in the distance. You’ve never encountered a signal like this before and curiosity beckons you forward.
Drawing near to the source of the fire, you begin to discern the presence of other encampments, their inhabitants engaged in animated conversations and introductions. They speak of collaboration and share tales of life on this digital frontier.
They are the architects of a digital commons, shaping it through independent projects and the development of shared, budding social and technological protocols. They’re creators of products, tools, and services that celebrate our humanity in the information age. Among them are academic researchers, reformed VCs, social workers, designers, developers & engineers. You, too, are one of them - your excitement is palpable.
Someone notices your arrival, and approaches you with a welcoming smile: “Greetings traveler,” they say, extending a hand in friendship. “You’ve stumbled upon our burgeoning community of social sensemakers - a tribe of skilled network-technologists. Won’t you join us around the fire and share a bit about yourself?”
Hey, I’m Kristen.
I’m a design generalist with a background in clinical social work.
I’m here to craft the future of human connection and communication, URL x IRL.
The Backstory
About a month ago now, I launched a decentralized community for social sensemakers with two friends. We’re simply the stewards of a diverse group of humans exploring different approaches to navigating the complexities and complications of modern life.
We share one thing in common: we agree the future depends on our human abilities. Our sociality, our affinity to crafting culture, our innately creative and collaborative nature. Oh, and a key ingredient of our future humanity is digital technology.
Together we designed a simple container to emerge a community:
We have a Telegram group-chat
We meet every two-weeks or thereabouts
We play simple games together to build a shared brain, get to know each other, and have fun along the way
It’s time-limited, this first round of play is schedule through early January, when we’ll decide what’s next
Applying the learnings from various projects and communities over the last few years, this simple and organic structure for our group has been refreshing. There’s no pressure to be or do anything specific—just show up as yourself. It’s an experiment in minimalism.
Now, let’s see what happens…