The Hive is the New Network: How WeChat and Twitter are Redefining Connectivity

The Hive is the New Network: How WeChat and Twitter are Redefining Connectivity

In today's digital age, it's no longer enough to simply "connect the world." Building a network is not sufficient for survival. Instead, the focus has shifted towards creating a hive and eventually a hivemind. This concept is exemplified by the behavior of Facebook and Twitter users. Despite having hundreds or even thousands of connections, people tend to actively communicate with only a small fraction of their network. The true value lies in having an opinion and taking action towards a desired outcome.

Interestingly, the behavior of bees mirrors the movement of neurons in the human brain. A swarm of bees on the move resembles the decision-making process of the brain, where individual parts collectively evaluate various inputs quickly and intelligently. In fact, the fate of 10,000 bees is determined by the decisions of just 30 bees. This analogy highlights the power of collective action and the ability to withstand pressure when individuals are linked together.

WeChat, a popular messaging app, provides a prime example of how a consumer product can evolve into a hive. By connecting a critical mass of people and facilitating new behaviors, WeChat has transformed into a utility that benefits the entire hive. The key to its growth lies in simplifying interactions and reducing friction between nodes. This leads to virtually unlimited, real-time access to data and people. Rather than relying on the launch of new features, WeChat's success can be attributed to the ease it brings to everyday tasks, such as connecting fruit vendors, taxi cabs, and small businesses.

Twitter, on the other hand, is reinventing itself by focusing on three main areas: health, conversations, and interests. The platform aims to protect the health of public conversations, incentivize and inspire participation, and connect users to the people and content they are interested in. One notable feature is the ability to follow specific topics, allowing Twitter to recommend the best content or tweets related to that topic. This eliminates the need for users to know exactly who to search for, making the platform more accessible and engaging.

To address concerns about safety and public scrutiny, Twitter has introduced ephemeral messaging as a product solution. This feature removes public replies and engagements, providing a sense of privacy and security for users. It allows people to consume content without feeling the pressure to create or share their own tweets. Additionally, Twitter is exploring the concept of Super Follows, which allows fans to subscribe to their favorite creators and access exclusive content. The goal is to support creators and provide them with a sustainable way to monetize their work.

In terms of product development, Twitter emphasizes the "jobs to be done" framework and customer understanding. Rather than simply copying capabilities, the platform focuses on unique solutions that address specific problem statements. The challenge lies in balancing the need for user feedback and the fear of making mistakes. Twitter's leaders must decide when to be involved in the details and when to delegate decision-making to their teams. Prioritization plays a crucial role in determining the high-ROI bets that will have the most impact on the platform's success.

Ultimately, the measure of success for Twitter is growing daily active usage and making a positive impact on the metrics that matter most. The introduction of features like Super Follows and the overhaul of TweetDeck demonstrate Twitter's commitment to improving user experience and revitalizing its developer ecosystem. By embracing the power of the hive and fostering a sense of community, Twitter aims to create a platform that empowers both creators and users.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Focus on building a hive, not just a network. Encourage meaningful interactions and collective action among your connections. Emphasize the value of having an opinion and taking action towards desired outcomes.

• 2. Simplify interactions and reduce friction between nodes. Make it easy for users to access data and connect with others in real-time. Provide a utility that benefits the entire hive, rather than relying solely on new features.

• 3. Prioritize user feedback and embrace a "jobs to be done" framework. Understand the needs and concerns of your users to develop unique solutions that address specific problem statements. Balance involvement in product development with delegation and trust in your teams.

In conclusion, the evolution of connectivity is shifting towards building hives and hiveminds. WeChat and Twitter exemplify this trend, with their focus on simplifying interactions, reducing friction, and empowering users. By embracing the power of collective action and prioritizing user needs, these platforms are redefining the way we connect and engage in the digital world.