I wasn’t aware of this until recently, but it seems lurkers have somehow developed a bad reputation of late. These are the folks who read posts, watch videos, observe chats, or otherwise consume content without actively contributing to the communities they frequent. In some circles, this behavior is labeled as free-riding.
I don't see it like that.
To me, a lurker is simply a contributor-in-waiting. An individual who is reading, learning, and observing the community until they find a topic that really resonates with them. Something they can sink their teeth into. I think most people go through a lurking phase. Honestly, I can’t think of many times where someone joins a chat, subreddit, or online group and immediately starts firing off posts.
Lurking gives people a chance to get a lay of the land. It helps them observe the norms, understand the culture, and maybe even pick up the lingo that seasoned members use. This kind of quiet participation is valuable because it prepares them to engage more thoughtfully when they do participate, versus jumping in blindly and risking behavior that doesn’t align with the community’s values.
So, let’s give lurkers a chance. Many of them are just taking the first steps toward becoming active, meaningful contributors.
Hi Adam!
ReplyDeleteI am for sure a lurker, in almost every online forum I'm in. I never really comment on Tik Toks, make posts on Reddit, or interact much besides give the occasional like. I agree with you on how lurkers don't deserve their bad rep, but maybe that's because I am one! Maybe one day I'll become an active contributor, but for now, I feel good staying in the shadows. Great blog post!
I really wish the word didn't carry the negative connotation. Lurkers are a valued part of the online world. WIthout them we'd all just be shouting at each other.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I think that lurkers do more than people realize. Sure, they might not be posting but they're likely upvoting or liking which feeds the algorithm and keeps the converastions or posts in the limelight!
DeleteI really appreciate your perspective on lurking, framing it as “contributor-in-waiting.” I agree lurking unfairly gets labeled as passivity, freeloading, or even being creepy. You're absolutely right that lurking can be an important part of learning and social acclimation in any community, digital or otherwise. It reminds me of how students sometimes observe before speaking up in class discussions. I was one of those students, not because I was disengaged, but because I was processing, reflecting, and building confidence.
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