A large part of the blame goes to the “posthuman relationship with TikTok”. I also believe that the global pandemic exacerbated the issue.

The larger issue doesn't seem to be “Where have the great thinkers and communities gone?" but how do we bring it out from the interwebs of Twitter to the streets of the cities we live in. I believe that this spirit existed and was seen widely even just a decade ago, for example with Aaron Swartz's rally against SOPA.

The issue is the stress-fueled complacency in the face of navigating chaos. The acceleration and spirit of “build fast and break things” really needs to continue to exist but we should think of ways to include and further the element of human connection in-person.

I understand this to be the same issue why people on Twitter are claiming that “sf is back” as if there's some great congregation on the streets, and why when hiking with friends we rely on a map on our phone instead of looking for the signs in the woods.

As a generation, though, I am glad we are really looking inwards early on and I believe we'll find our way towards the right fork in the path soon.