Third places have always been the pulse of our social lives, providing a sanctuary where connections bloom outside the walls of home and work. Historically, these spaces – be it a local pub, a bustling cafe, or a serene park – have been the backdrop of countless meaningful interactions. They have been the venues for friendships to blossom, ideas to spark, and communities to thrive.

With the advent of the internet, these third places began their migration online. In the early days of digital connectivity, forums, chat rooms, and early social networks mirrored the essence of physical third places. They were lively, vibrant, and genuinely social. People gathered in these virtual spaces to share interests, exchange ideas, and build communities, much like they did in physical spaces.

However, as technology evolved, the nature of online interactions began to shift. Social platforms became more sophisticated and widespread, but something fundamental changed. The focus gradually moved from fostering genuine connections to encouraging passive consumption. What began as platforms for engagement and interaction transformed into arenas for curated content and personal branding. Social became social media, where the quality of interactions often took a backseat to the quantity of likes, shares, and follows.