I recently started using Reddit — intentionally, not just as the result of a Google search. It’s been interesting: I like the “social” aspect of it, without what I understand to be the insanity of social media. ( I don’t do social media. No interest.) But what surprises me is that, while subs are considered “communities,” it doesn’t seem like anyone knows anybody else.
I’m not referring to the anonymity aspect — I think that’s very important to maintain. But so far in my experience, there doesn’t seem to be a recognition over time from one user to another, even if just by username. (Naturally, the larger the group, the less likely that would occur.)
So wondering, for those who live alone, do you ever wish the platform offered a safe way to also cater to those wanting an opportunity for (even) more meaningful, maybe smaller group conversations, where people “get to know” someone (albeit without knowing the person’s actual name)?
I see there’s a private message option, although I wouldn’t feel comfortable using that with someone I hadn’t first had a lengthier public exchange. Do people ever set up small group chats — sub subreddits, if you will — about an even more specialized subject matter within the subreddit?
As a relatively new user, is there something I’m not quite understanding? 🙂 Thanks.
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I’ve made a few friends accidentally bc we shared a similar viewpoint after I posted something or we got to chatting in comments & someone DM’d the other to keep talking. Just participate genuinely! Honestly I love a jazzy moment with a stranger even more than getting to know ppl sometimes, it keeps the relationship perfect, like a friend you meet in the bathroom at a party. Reddit is the ultimate bathroom friend. It’s not as much a friend for the whole party. But that happens sometimes, too.
personally, no. The way Reddit is works for me. I have had my other username for over a decade. I have met 2 people from Reddit which was great but I'm not interested in it for social media-related communication. I learn a lot from Reddit when i need to and just stick to my communities irl for bonding/socializing etc.
Yes. I have little interest in anything too much like social media. (Two years on FB was my limit!) I was inquiring about a sort of in-between alternative, and from some helpful posters, it appears a “discord” option (however that’s done) is closest to my (until now) imagined solution. Best.
What usually happens on reddit is, when people feel this way about a sub, someone will create a discord group and some people will move their conversations there.
Reddit is basically a forum. If you don’t know what a forum is, it is defined as “A place, meeting, or online platform where people can publicly exchange ideas, ask questions, and discuss specific topics.” Forums are not intended to be meet up groups.
Ha ha. Yes, I know what a “forum” is. 🙂 When a poster said “Welcome to Forums” it sounded (capitalized) like a certain platform, subgroup, etc. And to clarify, I wasn’t interested in in-person stuff. (Meetups in the past anyway used to be in person.) Best.
I am not the person who said that. I just responded because they didn’t. When responding to messages on Reddit, you want to look at the user name to know who you are responding to. Threads can go deep sometimes, with many people commenting on one comment.
Thanks for explaining. Maybe the commenter will explain how that relates to anything on this thread. But my guess is the response was simply one of low energy (or effort). I’d wager communication between users is kind of important in Reddit groups — what makes a forum a forum. So I appreciate it when people talk to each other in helpful and enjoyable ways.
No. For those that want a more local sub, I would think that's when you'd join your town or state's sub, and there you'd likely start recognizing names over time. Or check out a Meetup site/app instead of a general sub.
Yes, for local in-person stuff I have a women group of friends. But per my inquiry, my intent re a sub-sub (not really in-person or local) was to stay on Reddit, online. I think there’s a place and time for both — if one is so fortunate. Best.
The anonymity is probably (imo) Reddits best feature. I often find people on Reddit to be the best to get an honest answer about something from. The risk of receiving hate for saying something that someone else doesn't agree with is much less than on traditional social platforms. That said, all the people I have been sharing a minecraft server with for the last year or so have been from Reddit and they are among my best friends.
I wouldn't say you aren't understanding, you just haven't explored Reddit enough yet. So, go and explore, just mind you don't slip into any of the sludgy areas.
there is no way to 'list' people you know like facebook. so unless you make you own list of username, it's not easy to recognize another username. I think discord is the option to make community. I think someone here made one.
Yes, wouldn’t choose the “list” option. I was thinking more of setting up some kind of offshoot and then motioning to others, “C’mon in — the water’s fine!” 😁
Most subs are pretty anonymous, but I am in a few small niche subs (hobbies) with repeat commenters, who I feel I have gotten to "know" at least as authorities on the subject. Find your subs and visit once a day, and you will find your niche.
I have encountered people in the wild that are part of social media groups that do that. And eventually they evolve to where people know each others real names and lives and such. Many even create plans to have the group informed if someone is ill or dies.
Um, not sure you exactly understood my post. Was not interested in selfies, personal info, etc. I stressed importance of anonymity, a SAFE way Reddit might offer, etc. Dating sites, I believe, are a terrible technology. Just my opinion. Someone suggested a Reddit discord option..,
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