Web3 Community: The Fusion of Individual Feelings and Collective Vesting

In the Web3 era, blockchain technology and token mechanisms have redefined the way value circulates and communities collaborate. This has not only changed the form of communities but has also profoundly reshaped their essence. In this new era, individuals have greater autonomy and can better control their digital identities; at the same time, communities are no longer just simple aggregates of individuals but are concentrated manifestations of shared values and identities.

The role of the community has transcended the original attributes of products and services, extending to the levels of cultural shaping and identity recognition. What truly connects individuals and communities is not just ownership, but also the establishment of a shared sense of identity. Based on this, Web3 has nurtured a brand new community ecosystem - where individuals maintain autonomy while achieving recognition with a larger collective. By balancing individual and collective needs, as well as personal and communal demands, this ecosystem will foster extraordinary community cohesion and vitality.

Web3 Ownership Primitives

Psychological ownership refers to the subjective feeling of possessing or claiming something, which is different from legal ownership. Similar to legal and actual ownership, psychological ownership creates a sense of "mine" by giving individuals a personal attachment and investment in a product, service, or initiative. This attachment can stem from various factors, such as the time invested in using the product or service, the level of personal control and customization, and emotional connections. When individuals feel a sense of psychological ownership, they perceive the product, service, or project as a part of themselves, making them more likely to care for it and feel responsible for it.

Reciprocity and Subjectivity

Creating a sense of "collectiveness" in Web3 projects is equally, if not more, important than focusing on individual connections and attachments. Clearly, these two are not mutually exclusive; when individuals and the collective understand each other's values and beliefs, and individuals can benefit from it, it becomes easier to create a sense of shared vesting and collective ownership.

Returning to the fundamental principles of reciprocity and subjectivity, they are core elements in creating vibrant Web3 communities. Reciprocity (in terms of values and interests) creates a symbiotic relationship between individuals and collectives; while subjectivity drives individuals to actively participate and contribute, not only for personal benefit but also for the benefit of the community.

Thus, ownership becomes a social primitive that integrates individual ownership ("personal sense") with collective ownership ("collective sense"), stemming from our desire to control, vest, and express our identity through the possession of objects. Collective ownership allows us to feel heard and in control, while also making us feel like we are part of a greater whole, which helps us define our identity both internally and in the world.

Individual Sense vs. Collective Sense

Combining the concepts of psychological ownership and vesting will be crucial for building a prosperous community. By fostering a sense of "individuality" and personal investment within the community, members are more likely to develop a sense of attachment and feel a strong sense of responsibility for the community's success. At the same time, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity will promote cooperation, collaboration, and emotional support among community members.

To achieve this goal, community builders can adopt various strategies. First, they can design community experiences that allow individuals to personalize and customize their participation and overall community experience. Second, community builders need to create shared experiences and values to foster a sense of vesting. Finally, community builders can reinforce psychological ownership and a sense of vesting by recognizing and rewarding the contributions of individual members.

The Social Aspects of "Self-Investment" and "Self-Object Consistency"

In a community, an individual's self-investment is a key factor in creating a "sense of belonging." When individuals invest time, energy, and emotion into the community, they develop a stronger attachment and a greater sense of ownership over it.

"Self-investment" can also lead to a sense of reciprocity and social interaction, where individuals feel that the community values and appreciates their contributions. Therefore, this creates a positive feedback loop that encourages individuals to invest more in the community, thus enhancing their "sense of self" as well as their sense of belonging, or what could be termed a "collective sense."

"Self-Object Consistency" is a psychological concept that refers to the degree of similarity or fit between an individual's self-concept and the attributes or characteristics of a product, brand, or community. When an individual's self-concept aligns closely with the values or identity of a brand or community, it creates a sense of resonance and authenticity, which in turn strengthens the individual's connection to the brand or community.

Moving Towards a Mixed Definition of Ownership and Emotional Attachment

In order to cultivate genuine emotional attachment, it is essential to integrate "personal sense" with "collective sense." The ownership of Web3 brands, communities, projects, and even individual artists can be associated with four dimensions: ownership, vesting, dependence, and responsibility.

"Ownership" refers to individuals perceiving a brand or community as part of themselves, viewing it as an extension of their personal identity, and claiming it as "mine."

"vesting" refers to the sense of collective or group identity that people experience when they identify with a brand or community.

"Dependency" refers to the concept of individuals relying on brands or communities to meet personal needs and fulfill their commitments.

"Responsibility" refers to the feeling among consumers and community members to nurture, care for, and protect the brand or community.

These four dimensions help explain how consumers and community members cultivate a sense of individual and collective ownership, thereby increasing their engagement, loyalty, and support.

"Personal Sense" and "Collective Sense" as Extensions of Personal Identity

By combining the intersection of "individual sense" and "collective sense" with individual control and collective vesting, a strong sense of ownership and connection can be created within the community.

When individuals feel a "sense of personal", they establish a personal connection with the brand or community, as if it is a part of themselves. This personal connection can create a sense of control, making individuals feel that they have a stake in the community's success and can influence its direction.

At the same time, the "sense of collectiveness" creates a feeling of collective vesting, where individuals feel connected to something greater than themselves. This sense of collective vesting fosters a sense of shared purpose and an emotion of being part of a larger community.

When these two concepts are integrated with identity, they create a strong sense of personal investment within the community. Individuals feel a personal connection to the brand or community, but this connection is also part of their broader identity. Ultimately, this fosters a profound sense of vesting and connectivity, where individual members feel that their personal success is closely tied to the success of the community.

In summary, merging "personal feelings" and "collective feelings" with identity can create a strong sense of ownership and connection within the community, in a way that combines personal investment and collective vesting, resulting in a strong sense of purpose and identity.