A big issue I see here (I think about these communities a lot) is that as "retreats" or temporary spaces alone it can be expensive. Add in the profit motive and they're sure to be expensive. Then, the only people who can afford it will tend to be wealthy already. These are exactly the kind of people who buy their way OUT of community and use these "retreats" as a dip back in.
Community isn't an interest group. Sure, an influencer will have an easier time summoning a group to them (one of my favorite YouTubers constantly has people in the comments begging him to choose a location so everyone can go make an urban utopia together, and he refuses for good reason). But having a common interest isn't what community is about, even if it makes an initial connection easier. It's a catalyst for trust, but it isn't how trust is built. Communities have to exist when there's disagreement, and to have that you need interdependence. I don't believe any of these creator-communities will actually foster that. Like this MrBeast one, and even Cul de Sac in Tempe, AZ, they look more like college dorms than anything else. College dorms do not foster interdependence. They do foster connection, which is great, but they are not fundamentally designed to be lasting communities.
Like Brian Johnson extending his life and missing the point of living, I think these creator communities will try to "biohack" connection and miss the point of community.
I’m not too familiar with some of the individuals and trends you discuss here, but I feel there are many parallels today with the interest in communes and group lifestyle experiments during the late 60s and early 70s, albeit with a wider range of interests and ideologies this time around. People are feeling a potent mix of disillusionment and enchantment, and the line between cult and culture is blurry. It might be a lot of fun, if people stay honest and safe.
Super interesting.. I definitely believe civilization should move in the direction of organizing in ways where people experience much more community. One question I have is if the theme of a community is too niche it might be too homogenous, (ex: every single person is an aspiring musician seems like too much) when it’s probably optimal to have a more well rounded/diverse community of interests, skills, etc.
But also I wonder what the sweet spot is between sameness and diversity in a community?
This is insightful, Jackson, particularly as I've long examined how tech capabilities (the internet) are disrupting societal structures while forming new ones.
Like you, I've also long been interested in Próspera for this reason and plan to revisit there in 2025. But I hadn't considered how influencers/creators with an audience could and would have a hand in these all-new manifestations of societies. It makes a lot of sense, though, given, like you said, how much people enjoy living near like-minded people, which influencer-led communities support.
As a YouTuber, I've even been enjoying that Mr. Beast series. I'll look for you:) (Are you in Ep. 1-3?)
A big issue I see here (I think about these communities a lot) is that as "retreats" or temporary spaces alone it can be expensive. Add in the profit motive and they're sure to be expensive. Then, the only people who can afford it will tend to be wealthy already. These are exactly the kind of people who buy their way OUT of community and use these "retreats" as a dip back in.
Community isn't an interest group. Sure, an influencer will have an easier time summoning a group to them (one of my favorite YouTubers constantly has people in the comments begging him to choose a location so everyone can go make an urban utopia together, and he refuses for good reason). But having a common interest isn't what community is about, even if it makes an initial connection easier. It's a catalyst for trust, but it isn't how trust is built. Communities have to exist when there's disagreement, and to have that you need interdependence. I don't believe any of these creator-communities will actually foster that. Like this MrBeast one, and even Cul de Sac in Tempe, AZ, they look more like college dorms than anything else. College dorms do not foster interdependence. They do foster connection, which is great, but they are not fundamentally designed to be lasting communities.
Like Brian Johnson extending his life and missing the point of living, I think these creator communities will try to "biohack" connection and miss the point of community.
I’m not too familiar with some of the individuals and trends you discuss here, but I feel there are many parallels today with the interest in communes and group lifestyle experiments during the late 60s and early 70s, albeit with a wider range of interests and ideologies this time around. People are feeling a potent mix of disillusionment and enchantment, and the line between cult and culture is blurry. It might be a lot of fun, if people stay honest and safe.
Super interesting.. I definitely believe civilization should move in the direction of organizing in ways where people experience much more community. One question I have is if the theme of a community is too niche it might be too homogenous, (ex: every single person is an aspiring musician seems like too much) when it’s probably optimal to have a more well rounded/diverse community of interests, skills, etc.
But also I wonder what the sweet spot is between sameness and diversity in a community?
This is insightful, Jackson, particularly as I've long examined how tech capabilities (the internet) are disrupting societal structures while forming new ones.
Like you, I've also long been interested in Próspera for this reason and plan to revisit there in 2025. But I hadn't considered how influencers/creators with an audience could and would have a hand in these all-new manifestations of societies. It makes a lot of sense, though, given, like you said, how much people enjoy living near like-minded people, which influencer-led communities support.
As a YouTuber, I've even been enjoying that Mr. Beast series. I'll look for you:) (Are you in Ep. 1-3?)
Thanks again!