The future of social is Bringing People Together. The tools were rudimentary at the beginning, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world simply would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. Now we live in a world where likes and follows dominate our perception of ourselves.

The future of social is Bringing People Together. The tools were rudimentary at the beginning, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world simply would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. Now we live in a world where likes and follows dominate our perception of ourselves.

When everyone is a media channel, people don’t share their true selves, and social interactions get warped into social competitions. Facebook itself is repositioning its efforts around more private communications — since in private conversations people express more of their true selves, and share more now than they do on their feeds or “media channels”. The main revenue driver for top social companies today are all based on advertising, of which a major factor is the time you spend on the app. Revenue models built on time spent are zero-sum business models.

But where does this leave us? Are we truly connecting with others on social media, or are we just creating a digital facade of ourselves? The truth is, social media has its limitations when it comes to fostering genuine connections. It's time to shift our focus from "media" to experiences.

The next wave of social products isn’t going to be about “media”, it’s going to be about experiences. I couldn’t be more excited. Experiences are what truly bring people together. Going to a concert together, eating dinner, or just hanging out at someone’s apartment. These are the real experiences we have together. They matter in the best of times and the worst of times. These are the true moments that create the best memories. Connection and inclusion matter.

In a world where social media often leaves us feeling disconnected and lonely, it's important to prioritize real-world experiences. These experiences allow us to break free from the confines of likes and follows and truly connect with others. They remind us of the importance of human interaction and the power of shared moments.

Now, let's take a look at some inspiring quotes by Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist and industrialist, that can provide us with valuable insights on success and community building. Carnegie believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of enriching others:

• "The secret of success lies not in doing your own work, but in recognizing the right man to do it." This quote reminds us that success is not achieved alone. It requires recognizing the strengths and talents of others and working together towards a common goal.

• "Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community." Carnegie emphasized the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to the community and use their resources to benefit others. This idea of giving back is crucial in building a strong and inclusive society.

• "Wealth is not to feed our egos but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves." Carnegie believed that wealth should be used to uplift others and create opportunities for those in need. This mindset of using our resources to make a positive impact can guide us in our own endeavors.

Incorporating these principles into our own lives can not only lead to personal success but also contribute to the betterment of society. Here are three actionable pieces of advice inspired by Carnegie's quotes:

1. Embrace collaboration: Recognize the strengths and talents of those around you and work together towards a common vision. By leveraging the skills of others, you can achieve greater success and make a more significant impact.

2. Give back to your community: Use your resources, whether they be time, money, or expertise, to support and uplift those in need. By helping others help themselves, you can create a positive ripple effect in your community.

3. Prioritize genuine connections: In a world dominated by social media, make an effort to foster real-world experiences and connections. These moments of shared experiences are what truly bring people together and create lasting memories.

In conclusion, social media has brought us closer in some ways but has also left us feeling disconnected in others. To truly bring people together, we must shift our focus from "media" to experiences. By prioritizing genuine connections and embracing collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and connected society. Let's take inspiration from Andrew Carnegie's wisdom and work towards a future where our interactions are meaningful, our success is shared, and our communities thrive.