The rise of social networking platforms contributes to feelings of being overwhelmed by the choices available for social connections, which rarely promote more meaningful and consistent interactions with communities that genuinely invigorate us. This trend is evident in annual national reports showing that many adults still experience loneliness, alongside a cultural shift towards using the term "parasocial" (one-sided) to describe the common connections formed in the age of social media. Specifically, these relationships are perceived as lacking deep bonds, even as opportunities for connection across interests, regions, experiences, and relationship types increase.
There is an opportunity to foster deeper bonds within community, through a better understanding of our underlying motivations to build community, the barriers that prevent connection, and skills that will maintain habits around co-creation (e.g., sharing experiences, interests, emotions, and ideas).