As I navigate online spaces, I often find myself hyper-verbal and highly engaged. My words flow freely, and my enthusiasm for topics is contagious. But despite my best efforts, I’ve noticed that some people misinterpret my intentions. They assume I’m dominating conversations or derailing discussions because my input can’t be contained.
But the truth is, my hyper-verbosity isn’t driven by a desire to dominate. It’s simply how my autistic brain processes and expresses itself. In rapid-fire chat environments like Discord, forums, social media, and online communities, I thrive on being able to share my thoughts and ideas quickly and efficiently. The asynchronous nature of these platforms allows me to engage with others at my own pace, which is essential for my mental well-being. (Scroll is ok, you can always go back and catch up if you like, the ultimate ‘no pressure’ environment. The only pressure is one’s own expectations.)
What’s more, hyper-verbosity isn’t inherently a bad thing! In fact, it can be incredibly valuable in online spaces where information flows rapidly. My enthusiastic responses can spark new ideas, facilitate discussions, and even help resolve conflicts by providing alternative perspectives. My hyper-verbosity can actually amplify the collective intelligence of a group.
So why do some people perceive my engagement as dominant or derailing? I believe it’s because they’re accustomed to neuronormative communication styles that value brevity and subtlety over enthusiasm and passion. They might not be equipped to handle the sheer volume of ideas and perspectives I bring to the table, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm or intimidation.
But here’s the thing: these online spaces are designed for rapid-fire exchanges, so my hyper-verbosity is actually a natural fit! By embracing this aspect of myself and using it to contribute positively to discussions, I’m helping to create more inclusive and dynamic online communities.
I challenge neuronormative biases by asking people to consider the value of hyper-verbal contributions in online spaces and recognize that different communication styles are complementary, not competitive. A culture where every individual – regardless of their neurotype or communication style – feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their unique perspectives, means being just as comfortable with my hyper-verbosity as any other communication style.
I’m gong to keep being my enthusiastic, hyper-verbal self in online spaces. I hope others will join me in embracing the diversity of communication styles that make our communities richer, more vibrant, and more interesting.