A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: The Power of Subjective Search and Social Reading

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 05, 2023

5 min read

0

A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: The Power of Subjective Search and Social Reading

In today's digital age, our search habits have evolved. We no longer simply seek out factual information or specific results. A significant portion of our search activity is what I like to call "subjective searches." These queries are not for facts or definitive answers but rather for ideas, opinions, recommendations, and advice. Subjective searches delve into the realm of conversations and personal perspectives that deepen our understanding and shape how we see the world.

Interestingly, the best subjective search content often resides in the corners of the internet that are not easily accessible through traditional search engines like Google. Instead, it thrives on platforms such as forums, long-tail blogs, social media, and review sites. These platforms provide a space for people to freely interact and share their thoughts without the constraints of SEO optimization or big media publications.

As my subjective search activity has shifted, I find myself increasingly drawn to platforms like Reddit, Twitter, HackerNews, TikTok, and Pinterest. These platforms offer a wealth of subjective content that is engaging, informative, and entertaining. I believe that this shift represents a trillion dollar opportunity, one that Google may struggle to seize due to the limitations of its business model.

Google's success hinges on displaying a page of links filled with keyword auctions and pay-per-click ads. While this model has served them well for factual and objective searches, it falls short when it comes to subjective searches. This presents an innovator's dilemma for Google, as it may struggle to adapt to the changing landscape of search.

The opportunity lies in subjective search domains where Google is weakest, as well as in categories where accuracy is less critical, such as fashion, food, and entertainment. These are areas where users come for something specific but stay for the fun and interactive conversations, entertainment, and games that subjective search platforms provide.

To fully capitalize on this opportunity, it is crucial to create a search experience that puts users in control. Customizable user control allows individuals to personalize the algorithm, results, and user interface according to their preferences. For example, users should have the option to never see recipes from Martha Stewart or to have more Reddit threads surfaced in their search results.

Another key aspect of this personalized search experience is the ability to upvote and downvote results. This feature empowers users to have a say in what content is deemed valuable and relevant. Social elements can also be incorporated, allowing users to see what their friends or people they follow are searching for and interested in. This creates a sense of community and enables users to curate cool information, sites, or content they find and share it publicly, essentially creating an ongoing taste board.

Incorporating these features and creating a new search experience that combines the power of subjective search with social elements is where Glasp comes in. Glasp is a platform that aims to revolutionize the way we search by prioritizing subjective content, user control, and social interaction. It is a space where users can engage in meaningful conversations, discover new perspectives, and find entertainment all while searching for information.

But it's not just subjective search that presents a tremendous opportunity. Another aspect that has gained traction is "social reading." Social reading revolves around the idea that people want to share what they have read with others and receive feedback on their thoughts and ideas. This concept has proven to enhance the reading experience and make books more memorable.

By sharing their reading experiences, individuals engage in shared writing and thoughts, leading to better idea formation and explanation. This collaborative approach to reading fosters a sense of community and opens up new avenues for exploration and understanding.

Traditional book clubs have long recognized the power of social reading. The main motivation behind joining a book club is the social interaction it offers, bringing together individuals with a shared interest in literature. However, online book clubs have faced challenges in replicating the same level of membership and interactivity as their offline counterparts.

Fortunately, platforms like Kindle have introduced features that bridge the gap between traditional and online book clubs. One such feature is "popular highlights," which displays phrases and passages in books that multiple Kindle readers have highlighted. This not only provides readers with insights into what others found noteworthy but also sparks conversations and discussions around the text.

Additionally, Kindle's lending function allows readers to share books with friends after completing them. This feature brings back the personal, physical connection that physical books provide, as borrowed books often hold sentimental value and create a sense of connection to the past.

In conclusion, the convergence of subjective search and social reading presents a trillion dollar opportunity in the digital landscape. By prioritizing subjective content, empowering users with customizable search experiences, and incorporating social elements, platforms like Glasp can tap into this vast potential.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to capitalize on this opportunity:

  • 1. Identify niche areas where subjective search is prevalent and accuracy is of lesser importance. Fashion, food, and entertainment are just a few examples. Build a platform that caters specifically to these domains, providing users with engaging and relevant content.
  • 2. Focus on user control and customization. Allow users to personalize their search experience, from the algorithm to the user interface. Upvoting and downvoting results can also enhance the search experience by allowing users to have a say in what content is deemed valuable.
  • 3. Incorporate social elements into the search experience. Enable users to see what their friends or people they follow are searching for and interested in. Implement features that foster community and allow users to curate and share information publicly.

By embracing the power of subjective search and social reading, we can revolutionize the way we search for information, connect with others, and explore new ideas. The trillion dollar opportunity awaits, and it's time to seize it.

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