Let’s get real.

6 reasons why Clubhouse is the only platform for genuine connections.

If you’re big into Fakebook (um, I mean Facebook), Instagram, or some of the other popular social media platforms, chances are you already know this: Everyone’s lives are perfect!

Their children are brilliant, their marriages are rock solid, they’re totally abiding by mask regulations (they juuuuust took them off for a nanosecond to snap a picture with 8 friends they tooootally socially distanced from), and every dinner is a gourmet meal.

Much of social media is as phony as an influencer’s selfie, but I’ve discovered one platform where authenticity is a valued commodity and gaining followers is not everyone’s end goal. While the invitation-only, iOS-only app is still in its infancy, I’ll give you 6 reasons why I believe Clubhouse has the potential to change the face (and the voice) of social media.

You’re in control of your experience.

While things could change in this ever-evolving app, right now, you see rooms (that’s Clubhouse speak for sessions) specifically based on who you follow, the clubs you’ve joined, and what interests you’ve told the algorithm you’re curious about. So my “hallway” is populated with topics that appeal to me, and if I don’t see a room I want to join, I can tap the “Explore” button and see what else others are talking about or follow new people to expand what shows up in my current or upcoming events feed.

Here’s a small sample of the rooms going on in my hallway right now:

• Finding Friends on Clubhouse & What Is Friendship to You?
• LinkedIn Mastery 103: Creativity on LinkedIn
• Women Leaders in AI, Data & Tech
• Amazing Marketing Strategies
• LGBTQIA+ Allies
• Afternoon Delight Comedy Show
• Getting Organized! Where Do I Start?

So if you’d rather discuss parenting and politics over sales funnels and NFTs, that’s up to you. You’re in the driver’s seat for customizing your Clubhouse experience.

Members use their actual faces and names.

Clubhouse’s intention is to forge genuine connections and friendships as well as to learn from those we admire. There are people that will substitute what they do for a living by calling themselves “Coach J” or “Fitness Kim,” but generally speaking it’s encouraged to just be you. While some members are pitching their services, they may also be adding tremendous value. I’ve gotten the equivalent of thousands of dollars of expert advice for free from industry professionals just by being in the right room at the right time.

Fortunately brands have not yet proliferated the site, although sponsorships and monetization is already rolling out, but for the average user it’s still about the human connection. I also like that there is a zero tolerance policy against trolls and that violators will get banned immediately. If only it was that easy in real life!

With image-based platforms, you can fake a lot. But on Clubhouse, no matter what your bio says, when you speak on stage, people will immediately know whether or not you’re the expert you claim to be, they will sense the sincerity in your voice, and they may look for ways to engage with you outside of Clubhouse.

Is it better for introverts or extroverts? Yes.

I’m a massive introvert. While I’m not shy or socially awkward, small talk and being “on” for extended periods drains me. At the same time, I excitedly host my own weekly room on all things college-related. I frequently drop in on conversations about a wide variety of topics that have nothing to do with my business and regularly hit the stage to ask questions or add value. And if I’m starting to feel engagement overload, I just press the “Leave quietly” button and go on about my life. I constantly connect one-on-one with people by messaging them through their Instagram or Twitter DMs (Clubhouse has no in-app messaging option, which is a bit of a nuisance). I’m grateful to have established genuine friendships and collaboration opportunities with dozens of folks in ways no other platform has allowed.

Real-time audio-only is liberating.

In the era of digital footprints lasting forever and potentially biting you in the butt when you least expect it, Clubhouse conversations take place live and then disappear, creating a sense of immediacy and desire to be fully present both physically and emotionally. I’m not naive. There’s definitely drama and cancel culture here and there, but then again, if you’ve ever been part of a Facebook group, you’ve probably experienced it there as well. However, leaving a room is simple, leaving a group is a statement.

Most importantly, without the discomfort of being on camera and the delayed response or unclear tone of comments and posts, I freely express myself and feel like I’m truly getting to know people.

It promotes active listening and social skills.

How nice would it be if, in real life, after you shared a thought, a question, or gave a piece of advice, you were acknowledged, thanked, and validated? While larger rooms that have thousands of people and dozens of active speakers can have a bit of annoying cross-talk or interruption, quality moderators do their best to keep the conversation flowing and model positive social engagement. One room I was in recently encouraged men to prioritize women who had also begun speaking and to never interrupt. Refreshing!

And, in an attempt to be ADA-inclusive, members are asked to state their name at the beginning of when they speak and to end with the phrase “I’m done speaking.” That allows the deaf or hearing impaired using transcription software to know who they’re listening to and keep track of the flow of conversation.

Audio is the great equalizer.

How many of us can say we were just hanging out with Guy Raz from NPR, Dane Cook, or the founders of Clubhouse and mean we actually had access to speak with them directly? While there are huge celebs and über-popular members on Clubhouse, no one is more or less important than anyone else.

I’m not delusional, and of course, I’m not proclaiming that Clubhouse is a utopian paradise. Android users still don’t have access and may feel a bit tired of hearing so much about a platform they can’t take part in, but Founders Paul Davison and Rohan Seth say it will be rolling out sometime in May.

So, if you’ve ever posted a perfect curated “candid” family photo to avoid being honest about what’s going on in your life, stressed about how a comment might have been received, or felt crappy because your IG post only got 5 likes, maybe it’s time to get real, and get on Clubhouse.

Betsy Cadel is a NYC-based word-nerd, Founder of College Essay Helpers, and Gladwellian “connector.” Please feel free to reach out through any of these links: https://linktr.ee/collegeessayhelpers, and I look forward to seeing (or hearing) you on Clubhouse.