There seems to be a shift in connection and communities in Web3 - less around projects (and their purpose, Discords) to connecting around shared values, vision, concerns and attributes of identity across different spaces and projects that tie into other aspects of our life. The recent #aussiefollowaussie surge of activity and connection across twitter is a testament to this. We’ve had holders of certain shitcoins creating connections and groups, women following women, but most of the #xfollowx has been around PFP NFT projects. Now we are seeing those IRL cultural connections in the Web3 space, nothing to do with a project community.
I believe in Web3 we can find our place, our peeps, our home, and be ourselves, through the connections we make. But it depends - who are you and what do you seek?
As we go on identifying as we do, in binary ways: this/that, self /other majority/minority, by NFT ownership, have/have nots, culture, place, gender, sexuality etc it’s important to acknowledge how doing so not only defines us to ourselves but it defines others for us. In Web3 some of these divides are broken down, invisible, less significant, it’s important, not to let our own identifying and feeling at home exclude others and push them away, feel ignored, forgotten or undermined. The majority is always assumed as the ‘norm’. Minorities often ignored forgotten. (Coming from a small country NZ, we are often left of completely from maps of ‘The World’ - I’ve seen it in US and Canada) - no wonder they think we are Australian!) Let’s remember each and everyone is important.
Identity Is not fixed. We are who we think we are. Who are you and who do you want to be? We base our sense of self on a collection of characteristics we identify with - feel close to, that embody, represent an aspect of ourselves or one we want to project. We were looking to find, express Identity in Web3, see it reflected back to us, in community, art, culture. There is an opportunity to do it here unfettered by legacy structures and divides. Something new and better, authentic.
We are all unique, and many different facets, yet equally precious human beings - and united in our most fundamental wishes. We ALL share the same basic aspirations of seeking happiness and freedom from suffering. We have more in common than we think. You are just like me ( awww)💛. This connects us ALL. YOU are part of my world. If we prioritise this common aspiration, recognise and relate to it others, the world and Web3 will be a better place.
Remember and foster what UNITES us not what DIVIDES us. Go find your home, your crew, your places, be open, welcoming and kind. Support, encourage and lift each other up. For me, this is the greatest utility.⚡️ Treasure your IRL connections too. We have the opportunity to be different - more accepting, open and be who we want to be, be ourself, and allow this for everyone else too. I’m trying to the best of my ability, because it feels aligned with who I aspire to be - a kind, giving, happy human, a friend and supporter of many. Having this aspiration is the basis for good self-esteem.
Identity<>Connection<> Community We connect with what we identify with, and identify with what and who we connect with. We connect with others that we feel aligned with in some way - that share our culture, values, characteristics, activities, and those that inspire us, we aspire to, those we want to include in our world.
Connecting feels like being respected, acknowledgment, being seen, heard, by/ for others. If our intentions are good, then CONNECTION FEELS GOOD. Every human strives for and deserves this. Everyone wants to love, and be loved. We are not as different and seperate as we think.
What is love? - a warm heart, respect, kindness, wishing others be happy. Connecting allows love. Love makes us happy. Connect→Spread love.
NFTs and Identity. Some of the reasons we buy PFP NFTs are about identity and connecting to community (belonging)- The PFP represents me, I represent the PFP. For example recently the NZ Rugby Team at the Rugby World Cup, all repped WoW NFTs, the WoW NFTs represent them, those values in the sport to mainstream culture. How many of us buy the ones that have attributes that we identify with? For me personally there is another level, my current PFP represents something I aspire to be (another story*), it reflects something beyond the physical about my identity - my aspirations.
NFTs and Metaverse connect us to Identity, ourselves and others. Connecting is becoming closer to the people and purposes we value and identify with, because we feel aligned. The way we use NFTs is reflective of our personal values and attributes: We buy NFTs also to support as a vote of confidence and reinforcement for the values and purpose of a collection (or token), thereby a positive reinforcement for ourself. We also connect with others that share those, join a group we feel we belong, at home. Because, home is where the heart is. (For me, this is WoW Pixies DAO, The Nerd Collective, Fame Lady Squad, WoW, xPunks RooTroop to name a few.) - In all of these communities I receive value, support and contribute if I want. (I feel valued and supported through this).
Identity across the metaverse is interesting ( a whole other topic!) - I had to laugh when at a metaverse DJ set, some young kids stumbled it to the space and I could hear them say ‘some of them are bots because they won’t stop dancing!’ - I was one of those and was dancing away. I felt like saying ‘NOOOO I’m a real person!’ But my avatar just kept dancing.
If we are already in the metaverse - across the space where we connect - twitter, discord, video chats, VR spaces, then NFTs function as facets for our identity to use depending on the place and how we are using it at that time. We should see more ways to manage our identity from a single point, everywhere pop up.
The power of support. For me I find value in support - supporting, and being supported. NFTs can be a way of giving (as well as receiving value), helping others when I can - that is an attribute I aspire to identify with more and more. I want to be giving and supportive because I appreciate those who show me kindness and support. This is how great communities function IMO.
Connecting across the Web3 space and into the metaverse. We now have #…follow…. which is beyond a PFP in common. Incase you missed it, the recent Aussie/ Kiwi explosion on twitter showed how we are ready to connect in a different way. There was an epic impromptu Twitter Spaces of 700+ Aussie and Kiwi (NZ) peeps, tuned in delightfully realising all these friends and people who ‘got them’ more on some level were here too. A celebration, we could let loose and peep out from the shadow of dominant American culture which is assumed unknowingly as the norm. Be ourselves, not having to censor ourselves too much or struggle to be understood. (when Americans don’t get our phrases, jokes 😉). Perhaps we’ll see more DAOs, social finance groups, brands around sub cultures, metaverse spaces for groups and their activities? #kiwifollowkiwi #aussiefollowaussie #nerdfollownerd
Connecting in different spaces. Beyond Twitter and Discord. When I attended a metaverse event recently, I was blown away by the calibre of the speakers, organisers and crowd - all pioneers in the emerging Web3 metaverse, 3D areas. I wanted to connect, but was like who are you on twitter? Where can I find you again, and how can we connect?
Web3 ways to manage identity and connection in the future. Perhaps we’ll see Identity Pods/DynamicNFTs we carry across the space and into the metaverses, decentralised social media and social finance apps will be all the more important. I think future ones identity management will have dynamic dNFTs where we can switch out metaverse avatars etc from in different spaces and contain all our assets in their various forms. This is coming and many PFP projects that survive will adapt to this. (this is another post).There is heaps of building going on right now around all of this, but here are some building Web3 Identities. @lensterxyz @LensProtocol @SubsocialChain @desoprotocol @prysm_xyz@whatsyouryat @unstoppableweb @ensdomains. What else?
Special shoutout to @rileybeans_eth to is soo uplifting of others and inspiring and got me thinking about some of this.
*My WoWG PFP reminds me of Vajrayogini - a female enlightened buddha of wisdom who is blissful, and peaceful, joyful, and has the power to She has the same red skin and long dark hair. I aspire to be her⚡️