Campfire Storytelling vs. Online Engagement

What is it about sitting around a campfire or a fire pit that lends itself so naturally to storytelling, laughter, and deep conversation? We’ve probably all found ourselves in such a setting, exchanging stories with good friends or family.  Something about these moments—when we’re relaxed, unhurried, in community with others—makes it hard to leave the hearth. 

After hitting the woods last weekend, I found myself wondering about the factors that intrinsically conspire to create an environment for sharing and closeness with others.

It’s an especially wistful question right now, when we find ourselves largely separated from others, by necessity.  What are we doing to mitigate our feelings of distance?   How can we work to encourage authentic communication and sharing across a screen or a phone?

There’s no question that current conditions present many challenges to fostering connection.  But I am inspired to imagine that our innate drive for human interaction will bring about creative new traditions or customs to help foster our social and community ties, even from a distance.

In terms of your organization’s online presence, a few ideas come to mind:

1. Short, unscripted videos
2. Online games to enhance brand
3. Web-based polling
4. Use of music and choices of music on websites

I am eager to hear more ideas from others. What do you think will come next?

[Photo credit, Shaun LaRosa]