Nano-blogging and Gamified Conversation are two sides of the same coin in our PlatoChat microservice. Nano-blogging is PLATO5’s more insular version of micro-blogging. While micro-blogging sites like X/Twitter allow users to send out thoughts into the abyss, a Nano-blog creates rooms of 4 users (daises) where users can start a more private and close-knit connection. Like micro-blogging sites/apps, nano-blogs will allow users to react to content and share interesting thoughts with other users, but the audience is much smaller, allowing users to focus on a handful of people and really create a positive connection.

Gamified Conversation is another innovative method that PLATO5 uses to encourage users to socialize on the app. Certain features on the app require a user to expend points that can be gained from taking actions on the app that are known to drive engagement; for instance, posting a discussion or creating a CommIB (a Community-generated Icebreaker). These actions make PLATO5 a better community, which is why we want to encourage these choices.

Keeping the conversation going despite an individual user’s lack of social acumen or discomfort with people is an essential part of PlatoChat and PLATO5 at large. We accomplish this by pushing users to react to content from the site frequently. It’s hard to start a conversation with nothing to talk about, which is why including discussions from our Kommin discussion board in PlatoChat allows users to talk about a wide variety of topics with ease. The integration of these services is paramount to getting users to talk, even when it’s difficult. Another way we help users keep the conversation going is by using CommIBs (colloquially called “Commibs” or “Icebreakers”), as mentioned previously. Users create and then vote on the best CommIBs on the app. When a user runs out of things to talk about, the CommIB button is always at the bottom of the screen.

PlatoChat fully integrates these elements by pushing relevant content to users for them to react to and by using a points system to bolster engagement and encourage positive interactions between users. Some people may not necessarily be attracted to the idea of a points system being attached to their interactions, so this point system doesn’t directly interfere with the standard and necessary processes of PlatoChat. However, for users that like gamification, the points system can encourage them to engage more frequently.

By merging nano-blogging and gamified conversations, PlatoChat offers a unique and engaging experience for its users. This dual approach ensures that users can form close-knit connections while also being motivated to participate actively through a rewarding points system. Whether users seek a more intimate social experience or thrive on gamified interaction, PlatoChat caters to a variety of social needs, fostering a dynamic and supportive online community.