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Exclusivity is problematic with one exception.
In many cases, exclusivity is used to make an us vs. them space.
By gatekeeping, you force the outer group to feel a wide range of negative emotions (alone, envious, rage, etc.). While the inner group feels powerful. (1/×)
In many cases, exclusivity is used to make an us vs. them space.
By gatekeeping, you force the outer group to feel a wide range of negative emotions (alone, envious, rage, etc.). While the inner group feels powerful. (1/×)
The only time exclusivity makes sense is when you're balancing power dynamics.
If the inner group historically lacks power while the outer group has power, then exclusivity becomes a tool where the inner group can find community and solidarity. (2/x)
If the inner group historically lacks power while the outer group has power, then exclusivity becomes a tool where the inner group can find community and solidarity. (2/x)
The problem with apps like Clubhouse or tech in general is exclusivity is hidden under the disguise of community building.
Tech startups want to feel like they're the underdog but in reality, they're breeding grounds of privilege. They want to feel like the exception. (3/x)
Tech startups want to feel like they're the underdog but in reality, they're breeding grounds of privilege. They want to feel like the exception. (3/x)
Designing your community building model around exclusivity can be great from a business perspective b/c the fomo it creates drives users to your platform.
But on the flip side, you then create the potential for a toxic space for customers. (4/x)
But on the flip side, you then create the potential for a toxic space for customers. (4/x)
Spaces like this are destined to become toxic or monothlic in nature b/c people in the inner group assume everyone in the inner group has the same access to power, simply by being in the group.
This is a wrong and dangerous assumption. (5/x)
This is a wrong and dangerous assumption. (5/x)
As a result, many users will experience harassment and feel psychological unsafe b/c the space was designed to treat all users equally without historically analyzing power dynamics of people in the inner group.
This is a good example of how a good tech idea becomes toxic. (6/x)
This is a good example of how a good tech idea becomes toxic. (6/x)
TLDR: More people in tech need to take humanities courses and understand that the product is only one piece of the puzzle.
If you don't understand how your tool can potentially harm customers, then you're not ready to scale your company IMHO. (7/x)
If you don't understand how your tool can potentially harm customers, then you're not ready to scale your company IMHO. (7/x)
