Stupid Apps and Changing the World: A Journey of Incremental Innovation

Stupid Apps and Changing the World: A Journey of Incremental Innovation

Facebook, Twitter, reddit, the Internet itself, the iPhone, and on and on and on—most people dismissed these things as incremental or trivial when they first came out. Little did they know that these seemingly insignificant innovations would go on to revolutionize the world as we know it. This begs the question: Can something as simple as a "stupid app" really change the world?

The answer lies in understanding the power of networks and the impact they can have on society. As it turns out, the value of a network grows as a function of the square of the number of nodes. This means that even small, seemingly insignificant apps can have a tremendous impact if they manage to gather a large user base.

One of the key factors in making a significant change is finding a group of users who truly love what you're building. These users not only engage with your service or product, but also view it as an important part of their daily lives. By catering to their needs and continually improving your offering, you can create a loyal user base that will help you drive the change you seek.

In fact, we are witnessing this phenomenon on Glasp, a platform that has managed to capture the hearts of its users. Glasp started off as a seemingly trivial app, but it quickly became an integral part of people's lives. As the user base grew, interesting new behaviors emerged, reinforcing the idea that Glasp was onto something big.

There are two time-tested strategies to change the world with technology. One is to build something that some people love but most people think is a toy. This approach allows you to fly under the radar and build a dedicated user base before anyone realizes the true potential of your creation. By the time the world catches on, you would have already made a significant impact.

The other strategy is to be hyperambitious and start a company that aims to revolutionize an entire industry. Think electric car companies or rocket companies. These ventures may face skepticism and doubt from the start, but by staying focused and committed to your vision, you can overcome the naysayers and bring about real change.

However, it is important to note that claiming you're changing the world should only come after you've actually achieved it. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and hype surrounding new technologies, but true change requires tangible results. So, instead of making grandiose claims, focus on the work at hand and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

Another crucial aspect of driving change is to ignore the haters and work on whatever you find interesting. The internet is filled with commenters and journalists who are quick to dismiss anything they deem unimportant or irrelevant. Yet, these individuals are often not building anything themselves. Don't let their opinions discourage you or sway you from pursuing your passion. Stay true to your vision and continue to work on what you find meaningful.

In conclusion, the world is full of seemingly stupid apps and trivial innovations. However, history has shown us that these small steps can lead to significant change. Whether it's by building a dedicated user base or aiming to revolutionize an entire industry, technology has the power to shape the world. Remember, don't claim you're changing the world until you've truly changed it. Ignore the haters and work on what you find interesting. And most importantly, keep pushing forward, because you never know how far your seemingly stupid app can take you.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Focus on building a dedicated user base of individuals who truly love your product. Engage with them and continually improve your offering to meet their needs.

• 2. Stay committed to your vision, even in the face of skepticism and doubt. Ignore the haters and continue to work on what you find interesting and meaningful.

• 3. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves. Don't make grandiose claims about changing the world until you've actually achieved tangible results.