A new wave of social media apps provide hope in a doomscrolling world

Zehra Naqvi reminisces about the vibrant early days of social media, a time when platforms fostered genuine connections rather than endless scrolling. In the early 2010s, she found joy in the One Direction and Marvel fandoms, engaging with a community that thrived on humor and cultural discussions. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has drastically changed. Platforms like Instagram are dominated by influencers, and Twitter has transformed into X, a politically charged arena. "The platforms that succeeded were those that prioritized engagement over connection," Naqvi shared with TechCrunch. "Now, while content is abundant, joy has become scarce." However, a transformation is underway. Naqvi is spearheading this change with her new venture, Lore, a platform designed to help fans stay connected with their specific interests. She observes a growing trend where users are moving away from general platforms like Facebook and Instagram to join tailored online communities. Natalie Dillon, an investor at Maveron, notes that this shift is fundamentally driven by consumer behavior. "For the next generation, community isn't just an added feature; it's the essence of the product," Dillon explained. Examples of this emerging trend include Beli, an app where users recommend their favorite restaurants, and Fizz, which connects college students. Other noteworthy mentions are Co-Star, an astrology app, and Partiful, which facilitates event planning among friends. These applications aim to recreate the sense of community that characterized the early days of social media, allowing users to express their identities without being lost in an algorithmic shuffle. The previous generation of social media thrived on metrics like follower counts and reach. Yet, many founders and users are realizing that perhaps there's no single app that will dominate the landscape in the future; instead, a variety of niche platforms may hold the key. "We've learned that depth is more valuable than breadth," Naqvi remarked. While private communities like subreddits and Discord have always existed, large platforms now curate content based on user preferences, often leading to saturation and fatigue. "We’ve hit a saturation point. People are weary of doomscrolling and performative content," Naqvi stated. Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell, highlights a growing concern among users regarding their time spent online and issues like content moderation. Despite this, TikTok has emerged as a standout, gaining massive popularity, while Facebook’s Threads boasts over 400 million active users. Wardle categorizes TikTok as a "broadcast-style" platform, which suits a select few who thrive in the spotlight. Many users, however, seek connection rather than fame. Alphonzo Terrell’s Spill has gained traction by prioritizing community. It serves as a haven for Black users seeking refuge from rising extremism on other platforms. Spill’s design focuses on connecting users with communities of shared interests, such as sports or games, and even includes features like co-viewing events in collaboration with Netflix and Amazon. For others, like Rudy Fraser, the founder of Blacksky, the goal is to create a platform that caters specifically to marginalized communities. Blacksky employs algorithms that filter out harmful content, providing users with a customizable experience while allowing them to participate in shaping community guidelines. The role of artificial intelligence in this new social media landscape cannot be overlooked. Austin Clements from Slauson & Co. observes that creators are leveraging AI to build apps that deeply understand their niche audiences, enhancing user experience. Naqvi's platform incorporates AI to create an interactive experience, linking users to relevant fandom content and providing detailed insights into their interests. As the landscape evolves, it’s clear that creators are taking charge of this new ecosystem, moving away from traditional broadcast models to foster environments where community ownership thrives. According to experts, the future of social media lies in platforms that blend intimacy, creativity, and utility, transforming the way people connect online. As Naqvi eloquently puts it, users are yearning for tools that reignite the joy of being online.