postr/StutterSeptember 6, 2023

How about a network/server for people who stutter to talk to each other

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How about a network/server for people who stutter to talk to each other Thinking something a la discord server, where the main point is to connect and talk specifically. (And yes, I know about the server from this group, but it seems more text exchange oriented.) Basically kinda like omegle if it was less weird, it was just us and you had to talk instead of texting. Now, how I roughly see it is there being a text channel where people do basic introduction and maybe also write some questions it would be fun to discuss (so there's always something to talk about if you run out/don't come up with any topics). And then there's some voice channels to come to talk, with ideally only two people being in one at the same time. The key point in all of this is, at least for me, though I'm probably not alone in it, speaking to strangers and getting to know them comes with a shit ton of anxiety, that increases stutter. A big part of that, is the subconscious fear of being judged by other, "normal", as in fluent, people. Talking to fellow stutterers, however, should probably reduce that fear. Now, going from here, there's two options - either the anxiety will mostly wane, and if one's stutter is dependent on it, bring one to the level of talking to family or friends. In that case, it should help normalize talking to strangers freely, which might build up some sort of "immunity" and lessen anxiety even when talking to fluent people. If it won't lessen - well then this seems like the perfect opportunity to work on it, try some techniques, whatever, knowing that you're in a safe space. Besides, regardless if your stutter is anxiety induced or not, seeing the person you're talking to stutter as well, will get you into the perspective of people, who listen to *you* in daily life and maybe come to understand that it's okay, that you're not bothering them, that you don't have to worry actually -again best case scenario is reducing anxiety. Also, as a cool side effect, you can get to know people, which for me at least, being the introvert I am, sounds hella cool;) Idk, for myself, as you probably noticed)), something like this would be awesome and, judging by this sub, my situation is nothing out of the ordinary, so.. what do you guys think? ​

Themes

Social & RelationshipsEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Friendships & BelongingAnxiety & Social JudgmentLoneliness & Isolation