This one might be heady, and it’s definitely still a work in progress and not fully formed yet…
In traditional social media, cliques often get a bad rap for being exclusive, leaving others out, and stifling inclusivity.
But what if we thought about these close-knit groups differently, especially in the world of decentralized platforms?
Small, specialized communities that might seem exclusive could actually fuel cultural and creative innovation.
And although I've been critical of Warpcast, the flagship Farcaster protocol client, I think we're seeing this happen in their dev/builder-centric community.
This dynamic relies on implicit exclusion.
Implicit exclusion isn’t about intentionally keeping people out; rather, it’s about creating spaces that naturally attract people with shared interests and values.
Think of it like open protocols for podcasts.
Just as RSS lets podcasts be discovered on any app, open protocols allow different builders and creators to cater to unique communities more effectively, without forcing universal appeal.
Each client can tailor its experience to a specific group, attracting people with distinct perspectives and passions.
Similarly blockchain networks like Tezos, Solana, and Layer 2s like Base each serve distinct communities and needs.
By contrast, traditional platforms like X, Facebook, and mainstream media aim for mass appeal and broad engagement, often under the goal of egalitarian reach.
While this can be inclusive in theory, it can also lead to content that feels flattened or generic.
In decentralized spaces, implicit exclusion creates room for niche ideas to flourish without the constraints of forced egalitarianism.
It’s not about shutting people out—it’s about fostering spaces where ideas and creativity can thrive within smaller, deeply connected groups.
This shift could lead to a more vibrant internet, where communities grow side-by-side rather than competing to be universally appealing.
Traditional platforms, by striving for broad reach, sometimes end up diluting the creativity and uniqueness that emerge from more focused communities.
But decentralized platforms allow people to join spaces that genuinely reflect their identities.
The result? A cultural ecosystem where differences aren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated.
In this sense, a bit of implicit exclusion doesn’t weaken community—it strengthens it.
The future of decentralized platforms might actually be more inclusive overall, precisely because they allow people to gather based on what makes them unique, not just what makes them fit in.
