The Rise and Fall of Popular Chat Apps: The Battle Between "Houseparty" and Facebook

The Rise and Fall of Popular Chat Apps: The Battle Between "Houseparty" and Facebook

In September 2017, Houseparty announced that it had 20 million users who spent an average of 51 minutes on the app each day. Its mission was to introduce empathy into online communication, something that was lacking in the current environment. It brings us back to the essence of social networks - it's not about transforming social networks into today's social media, but rather about creating a space to connect with the people who matter to us. Houseparty prioritizes the connection between individuals over content. It focuses on actions that occur simultaneously, rather than actions that users engage in at different times, such as likes, comments, or retweets.

Today, the majority of Houseparty's audience is made up of young people, with 60% of its users being 24 years old or younger.

However, Houseparty's rise and fall is just one example of a larger trend in society. America, and perhaps the world as a whole, has become a "Microwave Economy". We have prioritized making things cheaper and more functional, rather than focusing on beauty and meaning. This mindset has led us to undervalue the needs of the soul and over-apply rationality. Lewis Mumford, a historian, observed this phenomenon almost a century ago and argued that our industrial mode of thinking has caused us to devalue intuitive knowledge and beauty.

In the Microwave Economy, we lose touch with what we know to be true but can't articulate. We no longer value rituals or possessions for their significance or meaning. Instead, we value things solely for their apparent utility. This mindset affects not only the food industry but also our overall approach to life.

Escaping the Microwave Economy is not about wealth or money. It is about recognizing the problem and choosing to opt out. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you break free from the Microwave Economy:

1. Embrace the unique and avoid the generic: Instead of filling your life with generic objects that are commonly found in everyone's homes, seek out items that reflect your personality and creativity. Find ways to make your environment your own.

2. Look for bargains in the expensive: When it comes to expensive items, whether it be clothing, furniture, or technology, seek out bargains. Don't fall into the trap of buying something solely because of its price tag or brand name. Look for quality and meaning in every purchase.

3. Cultivate your taste: Developing taste has nothing to do with how much money you have. It is about honing your ability to appreciate and recognize beauty and meaning. Surround yourself with art, literature, and experiences that inspire you and deepen your understanding of the world.

In conclusion, Houseparty's rise and fall is just one example of the larger trend of the Microwave Economy. We must recognize the importance of empathy and human connection in social networks, rather than solely focusing on content. Additionally, we must break free from the Microwave Economy's emphasis on function over form and prioritize beauty and meaning in our lives. By embracing the unique, seeking bargains in the expensive, and cultivating our taste, we can begin to escape the constraints of this mindset and live more fulfilling lives.