Follower Vs Community

The Evolution from Followers to Community

The media has long shaped the narrative of what it means to be a follower versus a member of a community. Reflecting on this, I can’t help but think of the old TV show Cheers and its timeless theme song. Remember?

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came.”

This song resonates because it captures something essential about human nature: the desire to belong, to be recognized, and to feel connected.

The Age of Followers

For the past decade or so, we’ve lived in the “age of followers.” As ChatGPT puts it, a follower is “an individual who subscribes to receive updates, content, or communications from a specific person, brand, or organization.” The relationship is largely one-sided; followers consume content and may interact through likes or comments, but the connection often lacks depth or reciprocity.

Does this sound right to you? Where is the substance? Where is the heart connection that defines human existence? Too often, scrolling through social media reveals a mix of advice, nastiness, false accusations, and unfiltered negativity. How did we get here? Why did the “follower movement” become the primary mode of interaction?

These questions matter because they highlight a growing divide between the warmth of a connected community—”where everybody knows your name”—and the cold, transactional nature of online interactions. On social platforms, users can engage and disengage without accountability. While there are positive moments, I’d wager that people experience more disappointment than encouragement in these spaces.

The Case for Community

The antidote to this surface-level engagement is community. Following a recipe or picking up a life hack online can be useful, but genuine human connection goes deeper. A community is “a group of people with shared interests, goals, or values who interact with each other and contribute to a collective experience.” Communities thrive on mutual support, active participation, and collaboration.

THIS is what people crave.

The challenge is that many don’t know how to transition from being passive followers to active members of a community. Vulnerability is often a barrier. People fear judgment or rejection if they let others see their authentic selves. But the truth is, it’s worth the effort.

My Experience with Community

Joining a community isn’t always easy. When I joined one in 2020, it took me about four months to fully embrace it. Initially, it felt strange to open up and let others see the real me. But over time, the group’s genuine care and support helped me grow in ways I never imagined. They celebrated my successes and supported me in my struggles, and I did the same for them.

That experience taught me the value of building and nurturing communities. It reminded me why human connections—real, meaningful ones—are so important.

Let’s Build Together

This is why I believe platforms like HonestChats can be powerful tools for fostering meaningful connections, both online and in person. Communities are how civilizations started—people coming together, sharing resources, and building environments of growth and respect. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s a journey worth taking.

If you’re interested in building or joining a community, leave a comment. Let’s work together to create spaces where everyone can thrive—places where everybody knows your name.