We are all bound to form deep relationships with people with whom we connect on different levels. These relationships can often metaphorize into something unique and powerful, catching the eyes of outsiders.
This sort of inner groups (usually in business settings) can often lead to what we call nepotism, a situation where power and influence are shared amongst a few close friends and relatives. It can be a positive or negative thing given your proximity to the power source.
GROUP MIND
This is a phenomenon that exists in homogeneous groups of like-minded individuals. There is certain effectiveness and harmony to such groups as ideas, policies are executed seamlessly without much opposition. This is because people in such groups think alike. It is more community-driven and often difficult to penetrate.
The drawback to such homogenous groups is the lack of diversity (which can be a good thing too). Ideas generated from this group are often not foolproof and this stiffens innovation at some point because no one (within the group) can think outside the box.
Heterogeneous groups on the other hand are more flexible and democratic. There is more emphasis on the individual than the whole, which allows for the free flow of information.
However, there is also a downside to diversity which we often do not talk about and it often manifests itself on a platform like ours. It is the high propensity for conflict/tribal warfare, which in fact can slow down development.
We are creatures of habits and often cohabit in small peaceful and predictable groups which make the creation of inner circles/tribes/homogenous groups inevitable. So what we have in reality are multiple homogenous groups forming a larger diverse group.
Oftentimes we want the best of both worlds--homogenous and heterogenous worlds-- but are unable to compromise or find the fine line between both polarising options.
You cannot eat your cake and have it.
Circle jerk
The act of constantly sharing the same opinion in a forum full of people who are obviously known to have the same opinions as yours, therefore granting you free upvotes to said opinions while gathering downvotes to anyone that opposes you on the matter
-Urban Dictionary
I particularly fancy this definition because it brings to light an aspect of circle-jerking we never really address, and this is how small homogenous groups can be very caustic. This is more dangerous when power resides in these small groups. However, for the purpose of this blog we would talk about the reward in relation to hive.
When it comes to upvotes, I have always thought that creating quality is the least important thing. There is the social aspect to being a top creator which many never take into consideration.
Some months back I was in a chat group where an account was blasted for being over-rewarded. This account happens to be the most active on the hive blockchain, engaging in different projects that add value to the chain but people could not see past the reward.
There is more to becoming a top creator on hive than creating quality content. For example, your stake, reputation, and contribution are important aspects to your growth/patronage/support on the blockchain. These things are all currencies and add value to your account over time.
Being a top creator encompasses a lot of things and this is not exclusive to hive. It is all part of the social game we have to play.
Circle jerking exists because humans are tribal and biased and will support the things and people they know. To change this there must be a strong incentive to look outside the herd. Determining the incentive is the herculean task we all have to solve.