Evolution of Connection

This post written with inspiration from Nadia Crawford’s post

There are always things that bring us together as a group. Whether it’s the radio station you’re listening to, the spectacular blaze of a shuttle launch, or a common conversation on Facebook, they each give us the feeling of connecting with others.

Increasingly, the internet has become about connection. Social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, and the newest entry, Google+, aim to connect you with those you knew, those you know, and those you will know. However, at the same time, we strive for personalization, with sites like Pandora, Google, and Yelp aiming to give you exactly what you want, whether it’s music or the perfect restaurant.

This has advantages and disadvantages. There isn’t the same level of connection when we listen to Pandora as when we listen to the local radio station. There is a vacuum of connection beyond our typical conversations. This opens up a position for media, games, and much more that will be enhanced by the addition of our friends. (No, I’m not talking about people giving you cows on Farmville) Xbox live is perhaps one of the earliest modern entries to this era. It allows you to easily connect with your friends to play games.

One site that I’ve seen take this connection and personalization to the next level is Turntable.fm. Turntable allows you to select tracks to play (personalization) while voting on and listening to tracks that others play (selection). Anyone who isn’t playing music can listen in on the music as a radio station curated by their friends. This is a powerful way of allowing people to interact and enjoy music with their friends.

Developers, take this as a challenge. Build something that has social at the core. Not a share button, or a hook to invite other users (Farmville gifts). Build something that brings a rich experience with the contribution of one’s friends. This is the challenge, and those who do it best will succeed.

Cross Posted at Rogue Chromebook Gurus

Originally published at blog.snydern.com on July 8, 2011.