The way we relate has evolved
Perspective has shaped how we connect and relate to each other for centuries. These physical and emotional boundaries are not only expanding they’re more discoverable than ever before. Connectedness is a core human desire and our “social” DNA is what fuels our happiness in our work and personal lives. It’s worth taking a look at the big picture to better understand our small, everyday tribes and the way they’re evolving.
Tribal Connectedness
We all know what a tribe is. We still have them. I just joined a tribe of 50,000 people in the desert. Tribes identify themselves and connect through culture, ethnicity, lineage and interests. The world starts and stops within their population. They have strong regional boundaries, ties and connections. These egalitarian clans have been the staple of human culture for centuries.
Spiritual Connectedness
Being a part of something larger than yourself is a massively powerful way to be connected. Certainly, the core aspects of organized religion are about identifying with a common faith, group rituals and connecting people through a structured communal system. 
National Connectedness
Vast and often born from revolution, most people in a nation never even meet each other yet they feel connected by a common bond. That bond-whether it’s real or imagined-is boxed by ethical, philosophical and cultural beliefs. People are reminded of their connectedness through flags, anthems, and national sports teams.
Binary Connectedness
Driven by technology, people can now connect over great distances. Messages can nearly immediately be transmitted from one person to another person. Things like telegraphs, telephones, faxes, and email opened the world to unparalleled 1-to-1 communication. Grandma can see pictures of her grandchildren without getting on a plane.
Neotribal Connectedness
Social Technology satisfies our immensely powerful desire for community bonds and allows us to build groups and gather globally around the things we identify with. The footprint of our daily civilization is no longer bounded by geography or structural doctrine. Our population isn’t identified through demographics or easily targetable through traditional avenues. Neotribal networks are connected, co-operating tribes that cut through great distance, spiritual and national boundaries to rapidly unite desired interaction.
good stuff SAM
