Think of Steemit like a grade-school party. The kids all arrive and nobody is talking much. They eat snacks and all wonder what will happen.
Then one of the parents starts them playing "pin the tail on the donkey" or "musical chairs" in order to break the ice.
Everyone starts out with no friends on Steemit. Then after the games and contests, real bonds of friendship and cooperation start.
I agree with you with your illustration! Everyone got here with no friends or family...but great contest and good content connected us, and we can say we have friends and Steemit family.
Thanks for reply.