The Death of the Newsfeed: How Overload and Tragedy of the Commons Are Changing Social Media

The Death of the Newsfeed: How Overload and Tragedy of the Commons Are Changing Social Media

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to connect with friends, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay updated on the latest news and trends. However, as these platforms have evolved, so have the challenges they present. Two concepts, Dunbar's number and Zuckerberg's law, have played a significant role in shaping the way we interact with social media.

Dunbar's number is a rule of thumb that suggests we can only maintain meaningful relationships with a limited number of people, typically a few hundred. This implies that we probably don't know hundreds of people well enough to friend them on Facebook. However, with the rise of social media, especially Facebook, our friend lists have expanded far beyond Dunbar's number. We find ourselves connected to acquaintances, colleagues, and even distant relatives whom we may not have a close relationship with. This has led to a phenomenon known as overload.

The asymmetric feed of social media platforms like Facebook has made it normal, rather than rude, to post frequently. Since we are sharing our updates to our entire feed, rather than explicitly sending them to someone, we feel justified in posting lots of content, even if it may not be of utmost importance. The tragedy of the commons comes into play here - we are expected to post content, but by doing so, we overload each other's feeds. Our desire to share everything we deem significant creates a cluttered and overwhelming experience for our friends and connections.

Furthermore, as social media platforms try to keep up with users' changing desires, they constantly adjust their algorithms to reflect these changes. Google, for example, shows us search results based on what we explicitly tell it we want. This targeted approach has been successful for Google. However, Facebook faces a different challenge. It has no direct signal to determine what it "shouldn't" show us, even if our uncle shared it. The question of what should be shown, who should decide, and how the weighting should be done becomes complex and subjective.

This shift towards a personalized feed raises another important question - if the feed is focused on "what do I want to see?", then it cannot prioritize "what do my friends want or need me to see?" The balance between personal preferences and social obligations becomes blurred, leading to a swing between different forms of expression on social media platforms.

Now, let's switch gears and explore the process of finding your next co-founder for your startup. Your choice of a co-founder is perhaps the most critical decision you'll make during your entrepreneurial journey. A good co-founder is someone with whom you feel privileged to work, and vice versa. They should bring complementary skills and a shared vision to the table.

When searching for a co-founder, it's important to look beyond surface-level qualities. Consider their coding skills, their involvement in open-source projects, and their entrepreneurial spirit. Can they stick with a single project for the long haul? Have they demonstrated loyalty to their friends and previous companies? These factors can give you insights into their commitment and suitability for the role.

While it's natural to be cautious about sharing your game-changing ideas, the notion of operating in stealth mode is often overrated. In reality, talking to as many people as possible can be beneficial. By steering conversations towards your interests, you can gauge if someone shares your excitement and passion. It may take time, but in a good group, you'll eventually find a handful of people you genuinely connect with.

When making decisions, especially in the context of a startup, it's crucial to have someone who challenges your ideas and ensures they are fully developed. Often, we tend to believe that all our ideas are good, but the reality is far from it. True innovation and success come from rigorous debates and constructive arguments. A good co-founder will push you to refine your ideas and ensure that the best ones are implemented.

The absence of feedback and support during tough times can be detrimental to the success of your startup. It's essential to have a co-founder who can provide emotional support and help you navigate through challenges. Their presence can prevent premature endings to your entrepreneurial adventure.

In conclusion, the death of the newsfeed and the challenges of finding a co-founder share common threads. Both scenarios highlight the importance of balance and thoughtful decision-making. Whether it's managing social media overload or choosing the right person to embark on a startup journey, actionable advice can be applied:

• 1. Evaluate the quality of your connections: Take a step back and assess the value your social media connections bring to your life. Focus on maintaining meaningful relationships rather than accumulating a vast number of acquaintances.

• 2. Prioritize substance over frequency: Instead of bombarding your social media feeds with trivial updates, choose quality over quantity. Share content that adds value to your connections' lives and contributes to meaningful conversations.

• 3. Seek authentic connections in your startup journey: When searching for a co-founder, authenticity is key. Look for individuals who align with your values, demonstrate loyalty, and possess the necessary skills and commitment to bring your startup vision to life.

By incorporating these actionable tips, you can navigate the evolving landscape of social media and make informed decisions when it comes to finding the right co-founder. Remember, the success of your online presence and startup venture hinges on the quality of your connections and the partnerships you forge.