Knitting a Healthy Social Fabric.

Sociologists distinguish between “bonding” – strengthening the connections within broadly homogenous groups - and “bridging” – strengthening the connections between groups. Hyper local neighbourhood groups are mostly about “bonding”.

Digital intermediation could help offer this kind of access to what Zacka calls “the lively and diverse intermingling of strangers in the public arena” and what the urban planner Jane Jacobs described as the “great and exuberant richness of differences and possibilities, many of these unique and unpredictable—and all the more valuable because they ... See more

The rise of micro-communities as cultural sanctuaries is remarkable. 🪩 As Boiler Room's research reveals, 65% of young people believe true self-expression emerges through authentic community rather than individual performance. This contradicts the prevailing narrative of a narcissistic youth culture obsessed with personal branding. 🏝️ I witnessed... See more

Our research has revealed a potential solution to the local paradox: networks that are values-driven, closely moderated, trusted, and local.

Without close moderation, local social networks risk racism, toxicity, and misinformation. But for close moderation to be acceptable to residents, they need to trust the people who are moderating and running t... See more