The Evolving Landscape of the Social Internet and Smarter Thinking

The Evolving Landscape of the Social Internet and Smarter Thinking

Introduction:

The social internet has gone through significant transformations over the years, with platforms like Myspace and Tumblr championing individuality and creative expression. However, as Facebook rose to prominence, the focus shifted towards conformity and mainstream appeal. This article explores the lost weirdness of the social internet and highlights the potential for new platforms to emphasize creativity and customizability. Additionally, it delves into the concept of smarter thinking and how reading a select number of books can help answer reasonable questions effectively.

The Power of Customizability:

Myspace and Tumblr, in their heyday, offered users the ability to customize their profiles, allowing them to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd. The allure of Myspace, in particular, lay in its radical difference from other platforms. Users could create unique and personalized profiles that reflected their personalities and interests. This emphasis on customizability was a key aspect of the social internet that many people miss today.

Opportunities for New Social Platforms:

As social media continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for platforms that prioritize creativity and customizability. One area with immense potential is 3D creative expression. Purpose-built 3D spaces that are easily customizable can provide users with unique avenues for self-expression. By blending virtual reality and social interaction, these platforms can create immersive environments where users can unleash their creativity.

The Language of Memes:

Memes have become a fundamental part of internet culture, serving as a means of communication and idea-sharing. Memes facilitate the rapid movement of ideas and cultural references, and the internet has accelerated this process exponentially. With the rise of new tools and platforms, creating and sharing memes has become more accessible to a wider audience. Understanding the power of memes and incorporating them into social platforms can foster greater engagement and connection among users.

The Shift Towards Individuality:

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant cultural shift from conformity to individuality. People no longer aspire to blend in; instead, they want to stand out and have unique online personas. Platforms that allow for self-expression and the adoption of new online identities are likely to thrive in this new landscape. Pseudonymity plays a vital role in this regard, as it allows users to choose their online identities, creating a sense of freedom and exploration.

Y2K Culture and Nostalgia:

One intriguing trend among Gen Z is their embrace of Y2K culture, which encompasses fashion, music, and aesthetics from the 90s and early 2000s. This resurgence of nostalgia reflects a desire for a more individualistic and unique experience. By tapping into this nostalgia and incorporating elements of Y2K culture, social platforms can attract and engage younger audiences who seek a departure from the mainstream.

The Ten-Book Rule for Smarter Thinking:

Understanding knowledge is valuable, but it falls short of creating and applying knowledge effectively. The concept of smarter thinking revolves around answering reasonable questions by delving into the relevant literature. According to Scott H Young, reading ten books on a specific topic can provide satisfactory answers to reasonable questions. The suggested reading materials include up-to-date textbooks and academic monographs. Textbooks offer expert consensus, while monographs provide focused insights that align with specific areas of inquiry.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace customizability: When building or using social platforms, prioritize customizability to cater to users' desire for self-expression. Allow users to personalize their profiles, create unique avatars, and customize their online experiences.

• 2. Incorporate memes: Recognize the significance of memes as a means of communication and cultural exchange. Create features that enable users to easily create and share memes, fostering a sense of community and relatability.

• 3. Foster pseudonymity: Provide options for users to adopt pseudonyms and explore different online identities. By offering a sense of anonymity and freedom, platforms can attract users who value individuality and personal expression.

Conclusion:

The social internet has evolved from emphasizing individuality and creativity to conforming to mainstream standards. However, the desire for customization, self-expression, and individuality persists. By tapping into the power of 3D creative expression, memes, and pseudonymity, new social platforms can cater to these demands and offer users unique and engaging experiences. Additionally, adopting the ten-book rule for smarter thinking can help individuals find satisfactory answers to reasonable questions by diving into the relevant literature. The evolving landscape of the social internet and the pursuit of smarter thinking provide exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.