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This may be hard to believe, but there’s an elusive corner of the internet where everyone is really, really, really nice to each other. No, it’s not Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Dot Com — it’s the world of secret, invitation-only, food-centric Facebook groups. And we believe that they’re some of the few places where the words “happy” and “internet” can coexist.

To back up this sweeping claim, we did some ethnographic research (read: joined three specific secret Facebook groups) to get a feel for each vibrantly unique community. After several weeks of observing how members of the Leaf Rakers Society, Kitchn’s Meal Planning Club, and Instant Pot Community all interact in the privacy of their comfort zones, I can confidently say that I have found the internet equivalent of holding hands and singing Kumbaya. We’re talking a deep passion for pumpkin spice that transcends the seasons, collaborative Instant Pot cheesecake adventures, and passionate fridge clean-out brainstorms. And if there ever was a time that we all needed that, it’s now.

But first, what’s a secret Facebook group?

There are three types of Facebook groups: public, closed, and secret. What makes them different are their privacy settings. As its name suggests, anyone can search for a public group and join or leave as they so choose. Closed groups are searchable, but require approval from an admin or an invitation by a current member before viewing any content within. Secret groups differ in only one way: You can’t search for them. The key to entry is an invitation from a current member (whom you must first be friends with), followed by admin approval.

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Filed under: Fitness