# Time to Reassess Centralization in Politics and Technology
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Dunbar's Insight
In the realm of social dynamics, Robin Dunbar's research offers significant insights into human relationships.
According to Dunbar, the grooming habits of primates revealed a connection between brain size and social group capacity. This understanding led him to propose that humans, with our larger brains, can maintain a close-knit social circle of approximately 150 individuals. His theory, known as "Dunbar's number," suggests that this number has historical significance, observable in various social structures, from military units to corporate teams, and even in holiday card lists.
Dunbar's research further delineates the tiers of social connection: around 5 intimate friends, 50 casual acquaintances, 150 for social gatherings, and up to 1500 recognizable faces. These figures can fluctuate based on individual personality traits, with introverts tending toward smaller circles and extroverts embracing larger ones. Yet, the core message remains: our brains are physiologically limited in how many connections we can effectively manage.
Section 1.1: The Challenges of Modern Centralization
As societies expand, a critical contradiction arises: our brains are designed for small groups, yet our world is increasingly dominated by massive, centralized systems.
In contemporary life, we find ourselves in metropolitan areas far exceeding the population sizes that our ancestors would have known. For instance, the population of my city dwarfs that of ancient Rome, highlighting the scale at which we now operate. This expansion is not solely demographic; it also extends to our technological and political structures, which have become heavily centralized.
Social media platforms exemplify this issue. Initially designed for genuine social interaction, these platforms have morphed into systems that prioritize growth and numbers over meaningful connections. As noted by Ian Bogost in The Atlantic, the term "social network" no longer accurately reflects its function. Users, often feeling pressured to accumulate followers, engage less authentically, leading to a culture where only a small fraction create the majority of content.
The first video, "Making Sense of Sensemaking," featuring thinkers like Daniel Schmachtenberger and Jamie Wheal, explores the complexities of human interaction in our modern context.
Section 1.2: The Disconnect in Political Engagement
Simultaneously, our political engagement has shifted away from local issues towards national narratives.
Many citizens are more informed about prominent political figures than their local representatives. This misalignment leads to a disconnection from local governance, which often has a more immediate impact on our lives. Instead of nurturing community ties, much of our political energy is wasted on remote issues, making us feel isolated and frustrated.
Chapter 2: Embracing Smaller Networks and Local Activism
In rethinking our approach to social networks, it's essential to consider the merits of smaller, more localized interactions.
With a growing discontent towards platforms like Twitter, many users are seeking alternatives that promote meaningful connections. Mastodon, a decentralized social network, provides a refreshing alternative, allowing users to engage with communities that share their interests or locality, fostering deeper interactions compared to the chaotic environment of larger platforms.
The second video, "The Plan To Decentralize The Web," discusses the potential of Web 3.0 technologies to reshape our online interactions and rebuild a more community-focused internet.
It's also crucial to evaluate where we direct our political efforts. While it's important to stay informed about national issues, dedicating some of that focus to local matters can yield more significant change. Local politics, as evidenced by recent school board elections, can significantly influence broader societal trends.
In conclusion, perhaps this is an opportune moment to pause and reconsider the relentless pursuit of scalability in our social and political lives. By embracing smaller networks and local activism, we may foster a more connected and impactful existence.
Thank you for engaging with this material! If you'd like to stay updated on my future articles, consider signing up for notifications. Your support is invaluable, whether through a small donation or by joining Medium, which benefits my writing at no extra cost to you.