Something Sophie said before the challenge really resonated with me. She was frustrated that everyone expected her to be eliminated, and it made her re-evaluate who she could trust. She pointed out that the people you initially connect with in college – like those on your freshman floor – aren’t always your true friends. And that’s so true! I’ve argued before that dividing people into three small groups of six is a recipe for disaster, and Sophie’s comment perfectly illustrates why. When you first get to college, you quickly bond with those closest to you simply to feel safe and fit in. But as you get to know more people, you naturally find those you truly connect with and start forming deeper friendships. In a small tribe of six, those strong connections are essential for getting ahead. However, when everyone does the same thing, you end up with situations like ‘Hina Strong,’ where players stick together not because they genuinely like each other, but because there aren’t enough other options. It’s the game’s structure, not real relationships, that keeps these initial groups together.
