Maven, a new social media platform, is taking a radical approach by eliminating likes and follows. This move, according to its co-founder Stanley, is considered “insanity” in the world of social media where popularity metrics drive user engagement. However, early adopters like Benjamin Scott, a philosophy student, have welcomed this change. Scott, who quit social media due to hostility and disinformation, believes that Maven’s removal of popularity metrics has resulted in a more positive user experience. Likewise, Martin Laskowski, a programmer, praises Maven for its ability to facilitate meaningful conversations in a space that falls between familiar topics and new interests.
Despite the potential for contentious topics to stir up tension, Maven has managed to foster civil and fruitful discussions. The absence of personal followers and algorithms that prioritize attention-grabbing posts has shifted the focus towards thoughtful engagement. In my own experience, conversations on Maven have been both civil and meaningful, covering a range of diverse topics from “guinea pigs” to “gravitational time dilation”. This shift in conversation quality can be attributed to the calibre of users who have joined the network, many of whom are connected to the founders.
Maven employs a series of moderation tools to ensure a diverse and open expression remains at the core of its platform. Users have the ability to report posts, mute threads, interests, or other users, and AI technology flags potentially problematic content. According to Stanley, the goal is to maintain a prevailing theme of open expression without being heavy-handed in moderation. While the network is still in its early stages, Stanley has observed serendipitous interactions among users, leading to unexpected connections and collaborations.
Maven’s founders have yet to finalize a business model, but potential revenue streams could include ads based on users’ interests. With the need for additional funding in the near future, Maven is expected to expand its user base and enhance its platform features. Notable investors, including Twitter co-founder Williams, have shown interest in Maven due to its innovative approach to social networking. Despite Williams’ diminishing use of Twitter, he sees Maven as a platform that encourages evergreen discussions and fosters meaningful connections.
One of Maven’s unique features is the concept of forever threads, where discussions can span months and continue to resurface in users’ feeds. This phenomenon, appreciated by many users, allows for ongoing conversations and the sharing of valuable insights. Unlike traditional forums like Reddit, Maven’s AI-driven tags bring together users with overlapping interests, creating a self-organizing forum that promotes diverse and engaging discussions. In a world dominated by trending topics and short-lived conversations, Maven offers a refreshing alternative for users seeking long-lasting engagement.
Maven’s departure from traditional social media norms signals a shift towards more thoughtful and meaningful online interactions. By prioritizing civil discourse, open expression, and serendipitous connections, Maven is poised to carve out a unique space in the competitive landscape of social networking. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen how Maven will shape the future of online communication and community building.
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