The Future of Social Platforms: Uniting Presence, Quality Entertainment, and Active Communities

The Future of Social Platforms: Uniting Presence, Quality Entertainment, and Active Communities

Introduction:
In today's digital age, social networking services (SNS) have become an integral part of our lives. These platforms offer us the ability to connect with others, share experiences, and express ourselves. However, as technology evolves, so do our expectations from these platforms. This article explores the common threads between two successful platforms - Facebook and Strava - and delves into how future social platforms can surpass them by combining the elements of presence, quality entertainment, and active communities.

The Importance of Presence in Social Networking Services:
One of the key factors that determine the success of a social networking service is the sense of presence it offers to its users. Presence can be defined as the feeling of being connected with others and sharing a common space. While virtual reality (VR) maximizes presence by creating an immersive experience, traditional SNS also possess elements of presence. For instance, LINE, a popular messaging app, considers the "read" status as a crucial element of presence, allowing users to feel connected in a shared space.

However, presence alone is not enough. Users seek more than just a sense of connection; they desire high-quality entertainment and meaningful experiences.

The Role of Quality Entertainment in Social Platforms:
Games, in particular, have the potential to elevate the social experience by providing a highly engaging form of entertainment. Unlike traditional SNS, games enable users to collaborate and immerse themselves in shared activities. The founders of Houseparty, a social networking app, recognized the need for a more authentic social experience and believed that platforms like Facebook and Instagram had deviated from this essence. They emphasized the importance of private interactions and genuine connections, which games excel at facilitating.

The Rise of Active Communities and Strava's Success:
Strava, a fitness tracking app, exemplifies the power of building active communities. Its rapid user growth can be attributed to its core focus on community engagement. Strava's CEO emphasizes that people don't merely download the app; they join the community. By prioritizing the company's original mission and keeping the app simple, Strava has created an environment where users feel a sense of belonging and purpose. The app's slogan, "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen," showcases the proof-of-work aspect that promotes user engagement.

The Potential of Future Social Platforms: Looking ahead, the next decade may witness the emergence of game-based social platforms that surpass traditional SNS. By combining presence, quality entertainment, and active communities, these platforms could become the go-to destinations for social interactions. They would offer users the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share experiences in a more immersive and engaging manner.