Kozminski Techblog

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Remember scrolling through your social media feed and actually enjoying it? A time when you saw posts from friends, family, and pages you genuinely cared about, not just algorithmically-selected content designed to keep you hooked? It feels like a distant memory, doesn’t it? Lately, many of us have felt a growing disconnect with the major social media platforms. The constant tweaks to algorithms, the prioritization of paid content, and the feeling of being manipulated rather than connected have left a lot of users, myself included, feeling frustrated and, frankly, exploited. This dissatisfaction has fueled movements like the “Free Our Feeds” campaign, and it’s driving a fascinating shift towards independent platforms.

The “Free Our Feeds” movement, while not a single, unified organization, represents a growing sentiment. It’s a collective cry for more control over what we see online. People are tired of having their feeds dictated by algorithms designed to maximize engagement (and often, profit) rather than genuine connection. We’re craving authenticity and transparency. We want to see posts from our friends and family again, without them being buried under a mountain of ads and promoted content. We want to choose what we see, not have it chosen for us.

This desire for agency is a powerful force, and it’s pushing the boundaries of what social media can be. We’re seeing a resurgence of interest in smaller, more niche platforms. Think Mastodon, a decentralized alternative to Twitter, or Discord servers dedicated to specific communities. These platforms often prioritize user control and community governance, offering a refreshing change from the top-down approach of the giants. They offer a sense of belonging and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, often without the constant pressure to consume or the feeling of being a product rather than a user.

Of course, these independent platforms face challenges. Building a thriving community takes time and effort. They often lack the sophisticated features and polished interfaces of their larger counterparts. And perhaps most importantly, they need to find sustainable ways to operate without resorting to the same manipulative tactics that have plagued the mainstream platforms.

However, the potential is undeniable. Imagine a social media landscape where you truly own your data, where algorithms are transparent and accountable, and where connection is valued above all else. It’s a future worth fighting for. The “Free Our Feeds” movement and the rise of independent platforms are not just trends; they’re a sign that people are ready for a change. We’re ready to take back control of our online experience and build a social media ecosystem that truly serves its users. It’s a long road ahead, but the journey towards a more decentralized, user-centric social media future has begun.

Sources:

1. Article about the negative impacts of social media algorithms
2. Information on Mastodon
3. Discussion about the future of social media
4. Article on the “attention economy”
5. Blog post about decentralised social media

Written with help of Gemini