Do you have any thoughts as to the extent online networks (like chat groups, twitter, the EA Forum, online books clubs, or discussion groups like the virtual programs) can influence the feelings of loneliness or disconnectedness?
I have spent about 3 years living in places with no/minimal in-person EA community since I learned about and decided to get involved in EA. I think that online interaction pales in comparison with in-person interaction, but it is a heck of a lot better than nothing. Having regular interaction with a fairly consistent group of people has helped me mitigate feelings of loneliness or disconnectedness, and I think it has been similar for a few other regulars. (although I must admit that time zones are challenging)
Hi Joseph, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had these challenges. I think movement builders like me should consider this a priority.
”I think that online interaction pales in comparison with in-person interaction, but it is a heck of a lot better than nothing.”
I agree with this. I am also exploring opening coworking spaces in Sydney and Melbourne because I think they have a strong theory of change AND will help the symptoms of mental-ill health. I think it gives people an environment to connect but also opens up independant work as a potential career path (since you’ll have like-minded people around).
As long as those locations have a sufficient number of interested people to support a physical co-working space, then it seems like a promising potential.
While visiting the EA Forum and reading posts in Slack workspaces helps me feel a sense of connection to the broader EA community, having a group of a few regulars who have a video chat once a month or so has probably been the best for relaxed networking and for forming a sense of community. Seeing the same people repeatedly over time isn’t a novel idea, but I mention it because it is so different from the anonymous mass of strangers in most online interactions.
Do you have any thoughts as to the extent online networks (like chat groups, twitter, the EA Forum, online books clubs, or discussion groups like the virtual programs) can influence the feelings of loneliness or disconnectedness?
I have spent about 3 years living in places with no/minimal in-person EA community since I learned about and decided to get involved in EA. I think that online interaction pales in comparison with in-person interaction, but it is a heck of a lot better than nothing. Having regular interaction with a fairly consistent group of people has helped me mitigate feelings of loneliness or disconnectedness, and I think it has been similar for a few other regulars. (although I must admit that time zones are challenging)
Hi Joseph, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had these challenges. I think movement builders like me should consider this a priority.
”I think that online interaction pales in comparison with in-person interaction, but it is a heck of a lot better than nothing.”
I agree with this. I am also exploring opening coworking spaces in Sydney and Melbourne because I think they have a strong theory of change AND will help the symptoms of mental-ill health. I think it gives people an environment to connect but also opens up independant work as a potential career path (since you’ll have like-minded people around).
What do you think?
As long as those locations have a sufficient number of interested people to support a physical co-working space, then it seems like a promising potential.
While visiting the EA Forum and reading posts in Slack workspaces helps me feel a sense of connection to the broader EA community, having a group of a few regulars who have a video chat once a month or so has probably been the best for relaxed networking and for forming a sense of community. Seeing the same people repeatedly over time isn’t a novel idea, but I mention it because it is so different from the anonymous mass of strangers in most online interactions.
Thanks for flagging that Joseph, i’ll put it in the old memory bank for when I’m considering new initiatives. I appreciate all your feedback so far.