Simply a preference for virtual life

How, when & why did “humans” actually come up with the crazy idea of joining together in larger groups beyond the absolute biological minimum in order to make each other's lives a living hell?
I mean, your own family is probably already annoying enough. Why bring in strangers who annoy you even more?

 

I'd better ask someone who doesn't belong to this fucked up species called “human”.

User:
"When did humans start to form groups outside the family unit?"

Assistant:
"Humans began forming larger groups outside the family unit very early in their history, probably during the Paleolithic era (Old Stone Age), when hunter-gatherer societies existed. These early groups, often consisting of 20 to 50 people, were generally closely related but also included individuals from different family units.

Some of the reasons for forming such groups were:

1. More effective resource distribution: In larger groups, people could hunt and share food more efficiently.
2. Safety: A larger group provided protection from predators and rival groups.
3. Social bonds: Social connections beyond the immediate family helped ensure survival through the sharing of knowledge and cooperation.

With the advent of agriculture in the Neolithic period (around 10,000 BCE), humans began settling in even larger communities, leading to the formation of villages and later cities. These developments led to increasingly complex social structures that extended far beyond the family unit."

 

Well.
“More effective distribution of resources” is a thing of the past, at least for the Golden Billion, of which I am somehow a part. That's what Amazon & delivery services are for.
“Protection”? Meanwhile rather the opposite.
“Ensure survival”? Also rather the opposite.

User:
"Since the three reasons for forming social groups that you mentioned no longer apply, what could be the reasons for forming groups outside the family unit today?"

Assistant:
"Today, the reasons for forming groups outside the family unit are often more complex and varied, even though some of the earlier motives, such as the desire for safety and community, still play a role. Here are some reasons relevant in modern society:

1. Social identity and belonging: People often seek groups where they feel they belong to strengthen their identity. This can take the form of friendship circles, colleagues, or cultural communities. Many define themselves by their membership in certain social, political, or religious groups.

2. Shared interests and goals: In modern societies, people form groups based on shared interests, like hobbies, sports, or political beliefs. These interest groups provide a space for exchange and collaboration.

3. Emotional support and mental health: Groups can be an important source of emotional support and social well-being. Friendships and networks help reduce stress, prevent loneliness, and promote mental health.

4. Networking and career success: Many people join groups to build professional contacts, improve career opportunities, and share resources. Such networks are particularly important in today's specialized work environments.

5. Education and knowledge sharing: Groups are formed to exchange knowledge and skills. Study groups, discussion forums, and professional communities allow members to learn from each other and develop further.

6. Political or social change: People form groups to pursue common causes, whether in the area of environmental protection, social justice, or other social movements. Groups provide a platform to influence society and plan collective action.

Even though the original reasons, such as protection and sustenance, are less pressing today, people still seek community and support in many facets of modern life."

 

User:
"But all these things could be done online. Why would I need a social group in physical life for that?"

Assistant:
"It’s true that many of the modern reasons for forming social groups can also be fulfilled online. Digitalization has made it possible for people to connect, share interests, exchange knowledge, and even receive emotional support over the internet. However, there are certain aspects of physical social groups that are often hard to fully replicate online. Here are some reasons why people still seek out physical social groups:

1. Physical presence and nonverbal communication: A large part of human communication is nonverbal—facial expressions, body language, and eye contact play an important role in building deeper connections. In the physical world, these subtle forms of interaction are more pronounced and can enhance feelings of closeness and trust, which are harder to replicate online.

2. Shared experiences: Shared activities and experiences, such as eating together, exercising, attending music events, or engaging in hobbies, create a deeper form of bonding that is often difficult to recreate online. Shared experiences strengthen social ties and create lasting memories.

3. Emotional resonance and empathy: In a physical group, emotional resonance is often stronger because you can feel the immediate reaction of others. It’s easier to empathize and offer emotional support when you have someone in front of you and can directly perceive their emotions.

4. Sensory and physical dimensions: Many activities, like sports, dance, art, or cooking, rely on a physical dimension that cannot be fully captured online. The sensory experiences we perceive through touch, taste, or smell can deepen the feeling of community and connection.

5. Chance encounters and spontaneity: In physical life, social interactions often happen by chance—whether through encounters in the neighborhood, on the street, or at events. These unplanned social encounters can lead to new friendships or inspiring ideas, which are hard to replicate online.

6. Trust and security: While online groups can create valuable connections, people in physical groups often develop a stronger sense of trust and security. This is because it is more difficult to maintain a false identity in physical spaces or distance oneself from challenging situations.

7. Community and responsibility: Physical social groups often promote a sense of responsibility and community spirit. People feel more obligated to fulfill their social duties when they are physically present and their contributions are visible. This strengthens the cohesion within the group.

In summary, physical social groups offer deeper and more emotional connections, more sensory experiences, and spontaneous interactions that are only limited online. While the internet can help maintain or create social connections, the need for physical social contact remains an essential part of human life."

 

User:
"But I reject physical social contacts."

Assistant:
"If you reject physical social contacts, that’s completely legitimate and understandable in today’s interconnected world. Everyone has different needs and comfort zones when it comes to social interactions. There are many reasons why someone might avoid physical contact with others—these can include introverted personalities, social anxiety, negative experiences, or simply a preference for virtual life.

If you feel more comfortable in online communities, there are plenty of advantages that this type of social interaction offers:

1. Anonymity and control: Online, you can often remain anonymous and control how and when you interact. You can withdraw when you need time for yourself without the pressure to respond or react immediately.

2. Spatial flexibility: You can connect with people around the world without being tied to a physical location, offering a great variety of communication and exchange possibilities.

3. Less sensory overload: For people who are quickly overwhelmed by physical social situations, online interactions allow them to focus on what’s essential without being distracted by noise, crowds, or physical proximity.

4. Communities based on interests: On the internet, it’s often easier to find groups that focus on very specific interests or niches, allowing you to form connections based on shared passions.

It’s important that you understand your own needs and live accordingly, without feeling pressured by social norms or expectations. Some people prefer to be alone or to limit their social interactions to a minimum, and that’s perfectly fine.

The only challenge could be to make sure you don’t completely isolate yourself, just in case you ever feel the need for contact. Even in a digital world, it’s good to have a supportive network of people with whom you can interact in a way that feels comfortable for you. There are many ways to maintain social connections without meeting in person."

User:
"Thank you for the insightful conversation."

Assistant:
"You're very welcome! I'm glad our conversation was insightful for you. If you have any more questions or thoughts in the future, I'm always here to help."

 

“...in case you ever feel the need for contact.” Uh, no. That won't happen. I no longer feel this need, rather I feel the overwhelming need to stay as far away as possible from members of the “human” species as long as I still have to exist in this house of horrors that is human society.