A window into social media
Discover more from The Loom - Weave Behind the Scenes
Everyone knows social media is a powerful engine, but we also know it creates some serious problems. We’re going to be talking root causes and how to make change.
Weave is not more of the same. Weave allows people to speak openly but hold on to their friends. These benefits are meant to create even bigger downstream effects:
Better mental health because we’re expressing our true selves
Removing the tendency towards mob behavior on social media
Healing some of the divisiveness that social media created - both online and off
This blog will explain why Weave is different and how the new features work together in a new way.
How did I get here?
My feelings on social media have changed over the years. I’m not alone.
My first exposure was amazement. A machine that knows who my friends are? Magic. Maybe this can bring us all closer together.
When you have little kids, you pay a little more attention to societal changes. People quickly grew censorious and, let’s face it, mean. Friendships and families fracturing. Eventually ran into Jonathan Haidt, an NYU professor focused on the stunning rise in mental illness and suicide. Couldn’t do anything more than passively watch things grow worse. For a father who wants to protect his daughters, there’s no more nauseating feeling than inaction in the face of danger.
Joined and helped run a 250-member private Facebook group. Artists, writers, Wall Street, professors - a bunch of brainiacs. While these people were very accomplished, that wasn’t the amazing thing. The group was super high-trust and became greater than its members. Made many friends, but the miracle was in the hive mind. We knew how to prepare for COVID months before the rest of the country entered panic mode.
Dove deep into understanding why that group was different and then invented an algorithm to bring trust at scale.
We built out the plan, and we’re about to launch. I’m ready to share my thinking and see what resonates.
2. Is this your community?
This community is not meant for any of our warring tribes. No problem if you’re in one (I have strong opinions too!). It’s just not a place where one group takes charge.
If you want healthier kids, deeper friendships, and stronger societies, this is your place.
Disagree with my take? Cool. It’s all part of finding better answers.
3. How often
I really enjoy writing, but it takes time. Expect posts at least monthly and maybe weekly.