We all have those awkward moments in life like going on dates and trying to find things in common, or even working on group projects and attempting to relate to group members to make the experience more enjoyable. Our natural instinct is often times to relate to the people around us, and create some type of community. In some circumstances, this can feel like a forced practice because you (and everyone else) wants to fit in, in the end. Below I will discuss what the heck our minds are thinking.
In the above video from Natalie Tran, she is attempting to great a a unifying system between herself, and the people that she encounters. Natalie describes feeling like she is in a "special club" with a person when they are wearing something like a shirt, from a show that she also enjoys. This "special club" is called a fantasy chain. This is where two or more people become excited, and begin to bond about something that unifies them (movie, event, music, etc.). In the video, Natalie gives examples of failed attempts to create a fantasy chain. In her attempts, she uses many dramatizing messages to attract the attention of the other person, but she fails to create dramatizing messages that correlate well with her fantasy chain "topic." That's why I feel she has failed in creating a successful fantasy chain.
Dramatizing messages normally come before the fantasy chain. These messages "paint the picture" for the fantasy chain itself. Thus, the other persons in the group can better relate to the attempt of creating a "special club." Personally, I can relate well to what Natalie is saying. I can remember accounts of failed attempts to successfully lead a group into a fantasy chain. That's always an awkward moment so, it's advisable to have a backup plan.
This video really focuses on the interactions of strangers, and creating fantasy chains. However, often these occur between groups of friends, or people you may regularly encounter. With that, the fantasy chain can continue by creating symbolic cues. These cues are triggers that bring the group, or part of the group back into the fantasy chain. Some examples of cues could include a hand motion like two thumbs-up and a cheesy smile, or it could be a code word. The symbolic cue can be virtually anything, but it is agreed upon within the group. Most likely, the group doesn't even realize this, they just begin doing it.
As a fantasy chain grows through the various stages, a symbolic convergence can be formed. This is where the group begins to think in the way of a group, when speaking about their fantasy theory. It is no longer just an individuals experiences, it is now the groups. Therefore, creating an overlap and a stronger group bond. Furthermore, this is a very strong attribute to have in a group because it helps in creating a cohesive group communication. Clearly an attribute that would be ideal to anyone working in a group.
To tie this all together, and put a bow on it, Natalie is a prime example of how a simple dramatizing message (her video language describing the events), can lead to a fantasy chain (her video style/humor, which creates a following of people on the internet), which has created several different symbolic cues within Natalie's internet community (example: laming tons), and thus creating a symbolic convergence of those who watch Natalie's, CommunityChannel (followers act as a community, and they have their own language that would not be acceptable to the general public). Because Natalie's videos are on YouTube, they have created a public fantasy chain, which is a very common occurrence in our world today. These chains are what makes some things go viral on the internet, or in news media.
To conclude, I encourage you to start looking for symbolic convergence in your own life. By being more observant, and understanding the process, you will be able to improve your group work. Therefore, being a better team player, and overall more likable within a group.
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