I was chatting with a fellow from across the other side of the world over lunch yesterday; Australia, Mexican food, sushi, family, fishing, hive, shit-posting, guns and some other things were on the agenda. It felt pretty normal, but it's also weird right?
We live in a world where connections like this are perfectly acceptable though; People, strangers, conversing remotely with each other sharing experiences, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, common-interests and wisdom. I think it's a great opportunity and hive, my only social media, seems a legit way of doing it.
Yes that's my lunch from yesterday. Chicken tenders, sweet potato chips, slaw and aioli sauce on the side. Coffee also of course, always coffee.
I grew up in a world where this wasn't a thing; There was no internet, smartphones and social media however I don't see too many issues with it if used responsibly, one knows the do not share threshold and when to switch off altogether. I enjoy being connected to so many people but value the separation and control the ability to turn off provides as well.
This, for me, is one of the great things about hive...A group of people spread all over the world that I can tap-into, but hold at arms length if I choose.
Over time we gain an impression of the people we interact with here; We begin to formulate an idea of who they are and what they're about...But is who we think they are who they actually are? A good question, but one we'll probably never know the answer to; Not fully anyway.
I was thinking about this whilst chatting with @hidave on Discord today; I found myself thinking that he was a legit guy, smart, interesting, funny and certainly worldly. Add in some information gained from a post or two in which he opened up a little more deeply and all of a sudden I find myself liking a compete and total stranger.
I mention Discord above...Whilst I prefer to keep my comments on the blockchain sometimes I have a chat or two on Discord; I don't go into the chat-rooms or whatever they're called; They're too impersonal and too much like old-school YahooChat, for those who were around in the late 90's...But for asking questions of people and communicating things of a more private nature Discord is good. I also have Threema a chat service like WhatsApp although it doesn't require email or phone number exchange so that works also.
But even chatting on Discord...Who is this person all the way over the other side of the world? The million dollar question huh?
I'm reasonably open on hive although I don't put everything on the chain; Some of my life is not for public consumption although, in the main, what you see is what you get...I know...I look like a bloody fruit-loop at times right? That's because I want you to see that; I have a personality and so it comes through.
That's the thing though right? We can present ourselves in any way we choose when doing so behind a keyboard. Of course, we can also hide who we are.
I am pretty much just me though, sometimes I play down the more radical aspects of my thoughts and nature, but I'm generally just the me you'd meet if you saw me in person. I don't hide or mislead because, in reality, none of us are anonymous and I'd rather just be true to who I am rather than fabricate lies.
I find it amusing that people on hive feel they're anonymous...In reality you're not. If you have Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, a drivers license, went to university or school, a medical centre or doctor, social security or tax-file number, have a passport, walk on the street, live in a country...Nope, you're not anonymous - No one is. Someone knows who you are, lots of people probably. Sure, the people on hive may not, but then again, I'd be more concerned about someone here where I live knowing me than someone on the other side of the world.
Of course, that is not to say caution should be taken when it comes to online security and the amount of presence one has. Certain things are not legit to share.
Anyway, after talking to Dave I was thinking about the community and how connected we are, without truly knowing very much about others...I get it, you want to be anonymous...I get it. But I also think people want to feel like they know others a bit more too, you know, who they are connecting with on a more personal level. I think presenting ourselves in this way shows a certain openness and honesty.
So, I decided that the #weekend-engagement topic is going to revolve around that scenario this week - I floated the exact topic with Dave today and he thought it sounded pretty cool...So, you might want to check it out. I always angle at fun with the #weekend-engagement topic and I hope that element endures but I think also it could be interesting to see the responses that come through...Don't worry, you'll not have to divulge anything about yourself so it's all good for you secret squirrels who want to hang on to the illusion of anonymity.
We're connected these days, like never before...But I also feel we have never been as secretive also...We are all looking for next-level security...But still pushing so much information about ourselves out there, true or fabricated. So, let's see what happens on Friday huh?
Look out for the #weekend-engagement topic on Friday afternoon.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
Discord: galenkp#9209
Cool indeed, chatting with folks from all around the world. Nothing quite like this Hive thing. Almost like having eyes and ears everywhere, experiencing other countries and lands without leaving yours.
Exactly! One can share as much or as little as they wish and gain a lot of value through the connection. I have a rather curious nature meaning that I'm always interested to learn something new or interesting and for someone who is very selective with whom I allow into my real life hive allows me to connect but control the flow.
I'm a fairly prolific engager here and that helps me build relationships...It's easy to do it though, for me, as I enjoy the interaction. We're all just the same, only different, and it's the differences that attract me to people...And the similarities. (Yeah, I know that phrase doesn't make much sense. Lol) Maybe you understand what I'm trying to get at though.
Thanks for your comment. It is greatly appreciated.
!ENGAGE 25
I totally get what you are trying to say. You are more like a super engager here! I respect that, and hats off to you for your efforts on the hive (I watch from afar...).
Thanks @daveks, I have built my account on engagement and know its value. Sometimes I feel like I'm beating my head on a brick wall with my attempts to get it through to others. Instant gratification/reward seems more valuable to some I guess...But it doesn't really come here on hive, does it.
So, I keep pushijg my message and whether it's welcomed or not, I believe in it. There are those that have embraced it and it is that success that drives me on. We're all in it together.
Thanks for your kind words.
ENGAGEtokens.hey i know that canoeing mountain dude! ;)
😎
that is definitely the benefits of this as my primary social media a lot of my friends really don't understand what I'm doing however I definitely see the value.
Since I lost my puppy the greatest shift work for my fundraiser so far has come from this blockchain.
I am definitely humbled.
If treated correctly hive can touch lives. Like you I have been humbled by the community at times, at how they have rallied around me and others. I'm not on any other social media and don't feel a lack in that regard. Have has what I need and I value those who engage with me, share thoughts, ideas, jokes, wisdom and support. It seems you feel the same.
Thanks for replying, I appreciate it.
!ENGAGE 25
I have to agree.
My darkest moments? I had a community that did help in how ever they could.
We have a powerful world at our fingertips.
Thank you.
Yes, I agree...If we all pulled in the same direction at the same time we would achieve a lot more as a species.
Absolutely just imagine what we could accomplish if everybody worked together for one straight year.
Let alone if we stopped having wars.
ENGAGEtokens.Cool!!!
The biggest threat to my safety is the organisation that issued my birth certificate.
Right on bro! That's sort of what I was trying to get at...None of us are anonymous and to share a little personality on hive doesn't compromise security. I like engaging with those who show some personality, not just a nameless, faceless blog...I think over time people will come to realise that showing a little of one's true self will be valuable.
As long as a person is careful and a little mindful of their personal security then I think it's all good.
Lunch with friends where ever they may be is always a good lunch.
Well said, and I completely agree.
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Personality I don't like postimg much photos of myself or my son. I like this posting and I think it deserves a better response, which I, hopefully, will get back to tonight when, if, my son settles down.
I agree with you, there is a threshold of what people should be sharing. I am the same although I post a picture or two of me and my wife on hive, usually with glasses on for obvious reasons. I am fairly open as o say, although so much of my life and who I am is not posted...So people probably fill in the blanks on me which is what people like doing; Judging or embracing their ow perception.
One of my brother's is very security conscious and will not show himself or family online. I get it...He doesn't use WhatsApp either...We use Threema which is the same but somewhat more security-focused (apparently.)
Anyway, I understand you're busy so thanks for responding.
Have a good night.
It's a trade-off of sorts with me. In the non-computer world, I am an introvert type of personality. I'm not shy I just prefer small groups and self-isolation. and even then I am relatively reserved (unless alcohol is involved) or I really know the person or group I am with, that is to say, if we have a history together then I am more open.
Here I can skip that part and dive straight into a more emotional open side where I can talk openly without actually having to really know who I am talking to or who is reading what I am writing. Sure I know the small photos that serve as their avatar and I can get to know their personality through their writing style, jokes, comments, and such. But I never really know, most of us don't.
In a way, it's like practice runs for the real world. The more I feel free to talk on here, the more open I am, the more I feel safe being open to a wider array of people right in front of me in less time then I normaly would have.
This is an interesting comment and observation and I've never really thought of it this way before. It's sort of a practice run that helps to open you up in your real life...Interesting perspective and I wonder how many introverted types feel the same?
Here on hive this is why it's so important to build good relationships I think...It deeps one's experience and can bring a lot more enjoyment and fun...Due to the low monetary value of hive it's best to find value elsewhere through enjoyment.
Great perspective, thanks for sharing it.
How do you make friends (in meatspace as well as online) if not by finding out that after a few chats you kind of like that complete stranger? XD
Yep, agree...Look at you and I for instance... #besties4life
Lol.
Hey @galenkp!
You know this is a great post that brings up a great question "who really are we talking to online here" and highlights ba magnificent phenomena- the ability nto connect with people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe.
With Hive the focus is, or at least should be, on inter relations, community, engagement that forms an interwoven social tapestry. Its one of Hives strengths because in doing so Hive humanizes the user in a way that's not common. It cuts through socio economic obstacles. Cultural obstacles and even the obstacles of distance and boarders. You get to meet and interact with a real human being in a meaningful way (granted youre not shit posting or doing post n runs where theres no sincerity or effort to engage other humans )
For instance on Hive i talk daily to people from all over africa, the uk, sweden, australia, venezuela, portugal, philippines, the usa, india and so many other places and the one thing ive learned from talking to these folks that come from vastly different walks of life is just how much we have in common, how much we're the same and just how human we all really are. That level of connectedness and quite frankly enrichment to my life is priceless.
Its true that people can conceal much of who they are and yet if you put in the effort to nurture the friendship youll still cut through to much of who the core person is despite that and a bond can still form into a great friendship.
As for your weekend engagement topic. Its going to ve ypur best one yet. I can't wait to jump in and pester you um ...i mean engage when it comes out. I also think it will also have the most engagement snd comments of all your weekend engagement posts because i have a feeling the theme of the post will proliferate into the comments where it will carry over to people extending the topic to eachmother in the comments. It with be threads inside of threads!
I recommend everyone drop in for it when he posts it this friday. It should be a lot of fun.
Also @galenkp i think you're a legit dude too. Glad we crossed paths.
I couldn't have said it better and I agree completely. We can reach out to anywhere, any time, and know that it is likely we'll be well-received and made welcome; Hive is good like that. Sure, there's people I'll never speak or connect with however the ones I do will often reward me in very valuable ways.
Hmm, Friday's #weekend-engagement topic...I hope to get a few responses and will be as open and forthright as possible in return. Let's see how it goes...Maybe no one will even care? Time will tell...If not, well, I guess I can rely on you to hit me up with 500 comments! Lol.
I have a feeling this weekend engagement will be pretty festive and engaging. The topic really does lend itself to being extending freely to everyone commenting. It might end up like a social gathering/ meet n greet. Either way it gives the opportunity for commenters to get to know each other better and for friendships to sprout.
Yep, I think so too...I'm adding an additional element in there also, as a secondary thing in case the first is not appealing...We'll see.
Intriguing 😯
I will say, I have met a few of these “internet strangers” now in person (six people in total from hive/steem). Every one of them in real life was exactly who they seemed to be online. Maybe I am lucky? Maybe I am good at avoiding real life meetings with the weird/sketchy ones? Each meet up has been tons of fun and has only enhanced the friendships.
This is good to hear! We have a meet up herein Adelaide monthly, prior to corona chan hitting, and have done so for over two years. I think 23 was the most we had there...It's kind of cool to meet in person. I was supposed to be in Finland in July this year and we were going to do a meet up there also. Maybe next year if flights are possible.
All of my meetups have been one offs. Like I drove to @blewitt’s comic shop and hung out for 2 hours! A big meet up like the Adelaide one would be a whole other level of crazy!
Ah yes @blewitt...I miss him.
Yeah, we hang out at a pub, talk shit, blockchain, gaming and everything else. We've had a few BBQ's too. It's nice.
Anonymity is way over rated :) I'm just a back assed country boy and I can find out who you are and where you live pretty easy in about 90% of people. If I can, smart guys can in a hurry.
I just don't care. Who you are and where you are is none of my business unless you need to make it so. I have online friends (a couple who are just really close) but just like in person friends it takes some time to expand the level of trust. I'm pretty careful in a general way.
I once posted my address AND phone number in a completely public chat. I had a guy threaten physical violence to me so I wanted to make it easier for him to deliver. As in come on or STFU. He hasn't come yet.
I support a couple of discord servers (and am part of 3 private ones) where I check in a couple times a day because I like the communities attached.
Looking forward to Friday. Should be a really interesting and engaging topic.
Maybe people hold on to the illusion of anonymity on hive as they believe it's the only place they are able to? It would be interesting to see how many splurge their lives all over the other social medias with their friends though huh?
It's all personal to the individual though I guess; Some will do this, and others that based on their beliefs.
I don't think that guy will ever turn up at your place either. People talk a big game from behind their keyboards.
Nah, he'll never show. Like all bullies he's a fucking coward. I knew that in the instant I typed my address.
So. To bring it back around he violated the Primary Directive. That being "Don't Fuck with Jangle or Sunny" (my two partners at the time).
Maybe Friday would be a good day to ask Jangle how she got the name. It's a wonderful story and doesn't have any Poutine involved.
Hmm, Maybe @jangle will tell the story on the #weekend-engagement topic this week...It'll be relevant. All will be revealed Friday.
Once somebody gets on any social media like platform, they stop being anonymous.
Yep.
I suddenly realise it's Thursday now, and that only means that there's one day to #weekend-engagement! Other than Formula 1, and the end of my working week, this is the only thing for me to look forward to on Friday. On the subject of the WHO on the other side of the worlds that we engage with, I don't suppose you could teleport over some of those delectable chicken tenders and sweet-potato chips, can you?
Lol, those chicken tenders are long gone...They were good too!
So, yeah the #wekend-engagement topic is out in under 24 hours now...Something different this week...Let's see how it goes. You'll see.
Wow, you didn't even save some of those tenders for us, eh? And here I thought Aussies were nice people, willing to share their wonders with the rest of the world. I guess we'll have to see tomorrow if you're ever able to regain my trust, after this chicken tender incident.
KFC will hook you up...But they won't be quite as good as mine were.
I know, I've tried out those KFC chicken tenders just a while ago. I think KFC's Malaysian franchise needs to lower their oil rations. Every single KFC meal I've had for the past few years has been as greasy as an oil field.
Get your fucking ass here mate, our KFC is legit! I love me a Zinger burger...It's a sometimes food of course, but I'd hit KFC with you mate, smash down a couple Zingers and some nuggets!
God. Damn. It... Why do foreigners get all the nice fast food? Seriously, KFC and McD here are quite mediocre most of the time. I've had a Zinger burger before, and just as I squeeze down to take a bite, it shot out gallons of oil. That, or the burgers appear so underwhelming 🙃