@andrew
@midwest.socialAutomobiles. Especially in the USA they are causing a public health crisis, environmental crisis, qualify of life crisis. I grew up loving them and they have uses but I'm fully convinced in the future they should be a luxury used for specific tasks or trips rather than the only form of transportation available.
Chicago has great transit, two major airports, is the primary rail hub of the US, and has substantial bike infrastructure. We also have affordable neighborhoods although you will need creativity to bike them safely. A lot of our streets aren't that wide so cars are limited in how much they can speed. There's a really active biking community and we have some great resources like mellow bike map for getting around neighborhoods not yet connected by formal infrastructure.
Loved this stuff back in the day as well. I still do. I got to see Slipknot live at a festival a few years back and they put on one of the more impressive shows I've seen.
Yup the fediverse is the best it's been since social media consolidated online discussion and independent forums faded away. I still strongly suggest developing relationships within your real world community because it is very easy to be deceived and exploited online even if the technology isn't doing it intentionally.
This already exists it's called face to face communication. You can do it in private spaces like living rooms or bars. You can also find public spaces like parks and transit. If you're shy look into activities related to hobbies.
I'm optimistic about my city. It's not perfect but we've had substantial political victories recently, growing demand as well as some investment in better cycling / public transit infrastructure, and great existing amenities. We have a ton of diversity and affordable neighborhoods.
I'm conflicted on Airbnb. Their product really is superior to corporate hotel chains and they've opened up areas previously unserved by traditional hotels. In my city corporate landlords, foreign investors, and disinvestment in public housing seem to be much bigger problems than Airbnb.