Nekton
noun (nek-ton)
free swimming aquatic animals essentially independent of wave and current action
So why "Nektonic"?
Nektonic creatures actively and persistently propel themselves through the water column, independently of any current acting on them. Therefore, one described as "nektonic" can be thought of as free thinking - one who thinks critically before forming an opinion on something. This is an important but rare quality in the modern United States.
Think about the first thing you did this morning. It probably involved looking at your phone and scrolling through Instagram, TikTok or X. An algorithm hand picked everything shown to you - an algorithm designed to keep you engaged through manipulating your emotions. You, like me and millions of others, have been led to believe that this is healthy and normal behavior.
Try to recall exactly what you saw on social media. More likely than not, it was politically divisive, sexually charged and involved some funny memes. Sure, you share some good laughs with your buddies, see some highlights of your favorite team and stare at attractive people. But at the end of the day, what really is the point? Why does our society place such an emphasis on who gets the most likes or has the most followers? Is there any true value to these things?
At Nektonic, we believe that our increasingly online society lacks the fundamental ideals that made it so special in the first place. Harassment for having different opinions is common in the United States, a country where freedom of speech and independence in thought are the rule of law. Gone are the days of thinking critically about an issue and deciding what you think based on your knowledge and life experiences. Instead, we are asked to jump to one side of the aisle and pick different sides morally, politically, racially, etc. We are constantly at each others throats, enraged and fueled by the messages we see in the echo chambers we spend so much of our day on.
We believe that in order to mend a fractured society, we must help others stand up for what they believe in without fear of reprisal. We want to inspire respect, discipline and self-control, virtues vital to the health of our nation. We want to help others find the courage it takes to stand out, to do something different, to go against the grain, even when it's not popular or easy.
It's simple: