"Unraveling the Power of Fortnite: Exploring the History of Social Networking and the Potential Beyond Facebook"

"Unraveling the Power of Fortnite: Exploring the History of Social Networking and the Potential Beyond Facebook"

Introduction:
In today's digital age, social networking sites (SNS) have become an integral part of our lives. From early platforms like Facebook and Snapchat to the immersive experiences offered by games like Fortnite, SNS has evolved significantly over time. This article aims to delve into the history of SNS, highlighting the underlying philosophies and exploring how Fortnite has the potential to surpass even Facebook in terms of its impact and influence.

The Anti-Thesis of Existing Social Networking:
Snapchat, just like Fortnite, was born out of an anti-thesis ideology towards existing SNS platforms. These platforms sought to fulfill the inherent need for approval and validation through features like "likes." However, beyond gratifying this need, it was discovered that "likes" also had the power to create a sense of presence. This realization laid the foundation for the idea that the current smartphone experience, which revolves around apps rather than people, could be transformed.

The Potential of Virtual Reality (VR):
Unlike traditional SNS, VR has the potential to prioritize "People First" by creating an immersive space where individuals can experience a sense of presence as if they were physically together. This shift challenges the conventional notion of using apps as the starting point for social interactions. Instead, VR encourages meeting friends in shared spaces and then deciding which apps to use collaboratively. The absence of a sense of presence in a service diminishes its appeal and usage. While VR maximizes the sense of presence, it is worth noting that existing SNS platforms also possess some level of presence.

Fortnite's Unconventional Userbase:
One interesting observation is that many users who identify themselves as "荒野女子" (wilderness girls) were previously disinterested in gaming, particularly high school girls. These individuals felt a disconnection from the staged performances of posting photos for the sake of approval, which deviated from the authentic social experiences they sought. Comparatively, platforms like Instagram, which revolve around posting photos for validation, fall short in terms of fostering genuine social interactions. In this context, platforms like Houseparty and Fortnite, where friends can engage in video calls or play games together in a shared space, demonstrate a more "social" aspect.

The Essence of "People First":
The concept of "App First" describes the individuality and independence of each app. Conversely, "People First" emphasizes the idea of meeting friends through a single app or service and then engaging in various activities together. When it comes to playing games together online, the contrast between SNS companies' hastily developed mini-games and the meticulously crafted, high-quality games becomes apparent.

Connecting the Dots:
Looking at the history and evolution of SNS, we find that Snapchat and Fortnite share a common ideology of challenging existing norms. Both platforms aim to provide a more authentic social experience, prioritizing presence and shared activities over superficial validation. While Snapchat introduced the concept of presence within existing SNS, Fortnite takes it to the next level by creating an immersive virtual space.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace Authenticity: As users of SNS, we should prioritize genuine connections and meaningful interactions over seeking validation through staged performances or curated content. Let go of the pressure to portray an idealized version of oneself and express authenticity in your online presence.

2. Explore Immersive Experiences: Venture beyond traditional SNS platforms and explore immersive experiences like virtual reality. Engage in activities that foster a sense of presence and shared experiences with friends, allowing for deeper social connections.

3. Demand Quality: When engaging in online activities with friends, prioritize platforms and services that offer high-quality experiences. Don't settle for hastily developed mini-games; instead, seek out well-crafted games and products that enhance the social experience.

Conclusion:
The journey through the history of SNS reveals how platforms like Snapchat and Fortnite have challenged the existing norms by prioritizing presence, authenticity, and shared experiences. As users, we have the power to shape the future of social networking by embracing authenticity, exploring immersive experiences, and demanding quality. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more meaningful and fulfilling social landscape that goes beyond the limitations of platforms like Facebook.