Decentralized Tech

Decentralized Tech

Detangling Web3 and understanding decentralized tech

Mayank Kumar

@munk

GoodRead: Social Media as It Should Be

Submitted Jan 15, 2025

URL: https://countercurrents.org/2025/01/social-media-as-it-should-be/

TLDR

Robin Berjon, a technologist and governance expert formerly with The New York Times and W3C, argues that social media algorithms are essentially automated editorial processes controlled by a few powerful tech companies, leading to various societal problems. He criticizes the concentration of power and lack of regulation in this space. As an alternative, Berjon introduces Bluesky, an open-protocol social media platform that allows for greater user control and content diversity.

The article highlights Bluesky’s defense against profiteering forces: its open protocol design allows other apps to replace it if it ever prioritizes profits over user welfare, as explained by Bluesky’s CTO Paul Frazee. Berjon introduces the Atlas Project, a foundation he’s joined that aims to establish open, independent social media governance. He concludes by emphasizing that social media should be held to the same standards as traditional media, and digital infrastructure should be governed for the public good. Berjon advocates for treating digital infrastructure like public infrastructure, emphasizing the need for open and democratic governance to ensure it serves the public interest rather than corporate profits.

Munk notes

The idea of user-controlled algorithms in social media is both exciting and transformative. Imagine a world where we, not billionaires or profit-driven corporations, decide what content we see and how we interact. This could revolutionize how we consume information and connect with others online.

What’s even more intriguing is the potential impact of AI on these personal algorithms. AI could help users fine-tune their experience, offering smarter content curation and more nuanced interaction management. It could learn from your preferences over time, suggesting connections you might enjoy or highlighting content that aligns with your interests - all without the ulterior motives of ad-driven platforms. This AI-assisted personalization could make social media more enriching and less overwhelming.

Bluesky’s approach is particularly promising. Their CTO’s candid admission that profit-driven social media companies often become adversaries to their users is refreshingly honest. By building on an open protocol, Bluesky offers a potential solution to this inherent conflict. Users could easily switch to alternative apps if Bluesky ever strays from its user-first ethos. This model could pave the way for more transparent, user-focused platforms that evolve without compromising their core principles.

The broader landscape of decentralized social media is also worth watching. Mastodon’s recent shift to a non-profit structure and the ongoing comparisons between different platforms and protocols are shaping the future of online interactions. These developments bring us closer to the internet’s original promise: connecting people directly, without corporate middlemen profiting from our conversations.

As these platforms evolve, it’ll be fascinating to see which ones truly deliver on the promise of user-centric, decentralized social media. The potential for a more authentic, less manipulated online experience is tantalizing. It’s an exciting time for anyone interested in the future of digital communication and social interaction, especially as a democratized AI begins to play a larger role in shaping our online experiences.

Comments

{{ gettext('Login to leave a comment') }}

{{ gettext('Post a comment…') }}
{{ gettext('New comment') }}
{{ formTitle }}

{{ errorMsg }}

{{ gettext('No comments posted yet') }}

Hosted by

We're committed to understanding and communicating the intricacies and possibilities of the community owned internet.