Last night I was reflecting a little on why I like to write daily and I think I discovered at least part of the reason, which is because it means that at least once a day, I get to have a decent conversation about something I find interesting. It is not that I don't have decent conversations in the real world, but it isn't always on a daily basis, which means I don't get my "fix" for discussion.
I value conversation a lot and after a good talk, I feel more energized, more alive and more connected to the world, as well as other people. However, I also find that the level of discussion can suffer a lot these days, as many are more aware of the possible social consequences of saying the wrong thing, so they do not dive deeply into a topic, before watching their words in a self-censorship process.
On Hive though, I think people are a bit more open to discuss, which is a bit strange considering it is immutable, but also comes down to the pseudonymity the platform offers. There are obviously good and bad sides to this in terms of level of discussion, as while it can mean people speak more deeply, it can also be that they can get a little crazy under certain conditions. All in all though, the level of discussion is quite good and it can help build perspective, as there is a wide variety in the user base.
However, thinking a little more about the level of discussion in the world, I wonder if the average person is having at least one decent conversation about a topic they care about daily. And, if they are not, I wonder what kinds of impacts it has on our lives.
I think that while we have access and can be surrounded by quality content, it doesn't mean we are truly engaging with it in a useful way, as the conversation can be one-sided and self-supportive. However, in a meaningful conversation, we are able to build our perspective against the springboard of opposition and varying perspectives. We are able to flesh-out our understanding and build a deeper and fuller, more robust view of a topic.
And of course, not only this, through the conversation, we are able to connect with each other in personal ways, as we are engaging minds and discovering belief systems, as well as collecting the stories of their lives, as their own experience with a topic gets referenced. It becomes a relationship and there is value in standalone, but these conversations also stack to build a relationship history and common ground, as well as differing ground, which helps us be more accepting of each other.
One of the great things on Hive is that there is still the possibility to engage with the author directly. On most of the social medias and especially with the "celebrity" accounts, it is a one-way street, where comments on a post are very rarely engaged with by anyone. Most accounts on Twitter for example get close to no engagement, even if they are commenting on others. Here on Hive, you can talk to me through various channels, the easiest of which is to drop a comment on my post and I will most likely get to it.
Whilst it might not be the same as over a coffee (or a beer), this means that we can have a proper conversation about a topic and as there is some kind of separation, we can possibly even talk about difficult items without getting super emotional. Well, some of us.
I feel there is "hygiene value" in having daily routines, where like brushing our teeth and showering, we should look to find ways to keep our mind and attitude healthy also. A big part of my daily mental and emotional routine is through writing, and that connects me with the relationship support too, where connecting people helps me stay more centered. Not only this, it assists in the learning something new process, as well as keeps me diving into my own understanding to reflect on my positions. And, through this, I think I might help others do a little of the same.
There are a lot of people who have seemingly lost their ability to have a balanced conversation, and we do see them on Hive from time to time too, but they are more the outliers. For the most part, there are a lot of different kinds of people trying to learn a little more about their world, by engaging in a community in a new way, or a different way than they are used to.
Eventually, it could get to the point that it is more like mainstream media where people do not get any replies from creators and most creation goes unconsumed, but we aren't there yet. So, right now if someone on Hive wants to build a quality follower base, they can, if they choose to. What is likely the most efficient way to do this, is to have conversations that people care about, in a way they they want to engage. It isn't easy to do, but it is possible.
But, perhaps for those who struggle to create the starting point for the conversation at the top level, engaging with thought and a little effort with others who are can help learn. If not engaging well through comments, it is difficult to build the skills necessary to create engaging content.
A lot of people claim they don't write or comment a lot or well because they are introverted, but that is an excuse. I am introverted too, but I have learned not to be under various conditions through practice. It has been uncomfortable at times, but it is very much possible to build social muscles, in the same way it is possible to build physical muscles. And the more practice, the easier it gets.
So, what about your daily conversations - are you engaging?
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
