A new app, HyperTexting, turns the open web into a scrollable social media-like feed

A groundbreaking application named HyperTexting is transforming the way users navigate the internet, making it as effortless as scrolling through a social media platform like Facebook or Twitter. Newly launched for iOS, this app aims to simplify the process of updating personal websites, akin to sending a text message. Caleb Hailey, a seasoned tech expert with two decades of experience, created HyperTexting with a vision reminiscent of the early internet era, where individuals owned their domains and published their content independently. "Somewhere along the way, social media became the easier option for sharing content than traditional websites," Hailey remarked in a recent interview, reflecting on the evolution of online interactions. HyperTexting combines features familiar to social media users, such as scrollable feeds, user profiles, and engagement buttons for following, liking, and commenting. The app allows users to follow various sources including personal websites, blogs, news outlets, and newsletters, presenting their content in an easily digestible format similar to that of a social media feed. Hailey's inspiration for HyperTexting partially stemmed from observing Twitter's shift away from its original purpose. He noted, "Twitter used to be an excellent platform for discovery and sharing, but it lost its way as it prioritized growth over user experience." This realization, coupled with the rise of 'doom scrolling' during the pandemic, led Hailey to uninstall social media apps from his phone, seeking a healthier way to consume information. His journey back to an old RSS reader, NetNewsWire, ignited the idea for HyperTexting. He envisioned a solution that could combine the publishing and subscribing experience in a way that felt accessible and familiar. While the app utilizes RSS technology behind the scenes, it does not emphasize this in its marketing, instead focusing on its user-friendly approach to website posting. In addition to following and exploring web content, HyperTexting allows users to add their own websites—whether a WordPress blog, Ghost newsletter, or other sites built with static site generators. This feature enables users to engage in conversations by posting on their own platforms, linking back to the original content. The app also includes an 'Explore' section that highlights trending topics across the web, reminiscent of the now-defunct Nuzzel's functionality. Furthermore, an optional Safari extension permits users to add websites to their HyperTexting feed while browsing. Hailey expressed a desire to simplify the complexities of modern technology, stating, "Instead of reinventing the wheel, my goal with HyperTexting is to leverage the existing infrastructure of the World Wide Web as the ultimate decentralized social network." The app is currently free to download on iOS, with potential plans for premium features or sponsored content to support its ongoing development.