The future of social is Bringing People Together. It's a concept that has evolved over time, starting with rudimentary tools and naively optimistic builders who believed that a more open and connected world would automatically lead to a better world. The idea was that everyone would have a voice and be able to share their true selves. However, as we look at the social landscape today, it's clear that something has gone awry.

The future of social is Bringing People Together. It's a concept that has evolved over time, starting with rudimentary tools and naively optimistic builders who believed that a more open and connected world would automatically lead to a better world. The idea was that everyone would have a voice and be able to share their true selves. However, as we look at the social landscape today, it's clear that something has gone awry.

Likes and follows dominate our perception of ourselves. Social interactions have become warped into social competitions, with people constantly vying for attention and validation. Facebook, one of the biggest players in the social media space, is recognizing this shift and repositioning its efforts around more private communications. It turns out that in private conversations, people are more likely to express their true selves and share more openly than they do on their feeds or "media channels".

At the heart of this issue is the fact that the main revenue driver for top social companies is advertising, with a major factor being the time users spend on the app. This has led to revenue models that are built on time spent, which ultimately creates a zero-sum game. The more time you spend on one app, the less time you have for another. It's a never-ending cycle of competition for attention.

But what if we shifted our focus away from media and towards experiences? What if social products were designed to bring people together in real-life situations, rather than just keeping them glued to screens? This is the next wave of social products, and it's an exciting prospect.

Think about it - the best memories are created when we are actually together, doing something. Going to a concert, sharing a meal, or just hanging out at someone's apartment. These are the true moments that matter, that create lasting connections. In a world that increasingly values virtual interactions, these real-life experiences become even more valuable and cherished.

Connection and inclusion matter. The ability to engage in meaningful experiences with others is what truly brings people together. And this is where social products can make a difference. Instead of focusing solely on media consumption, they can facilitate real-life interactions and help people create memories together.

Now, let's shift gears for a moment and talk about a different kind of tool - highlighter apps. Specifically, let's compare two popular options: Glasp and Matter. Glasp is an app that allows you to highlight web articles on the spot, preserving the original formatting. It also lets you highlight PDF files from the web and YouTube transcripts. Additionally, Glasp allows you to import highlights and notes from Kindle, making it convenient for users who want to consolidate their annotations in one place.

On the other hand, Matter offers a different set of features. It allows you to sync your highlights and notes directly to apps like Roam, Obsidian, Notion, and Readwise. This integration makes it easier for users to organize and utilize their annotations across different platforms. Matter also offers a social component to the highlighting experience. All highlights and notes are public, encouraging users to share what they learn and gain insights from like-minded people.

In fact, Glasp combines aspects from both highlighter apps and social media apps, creating a unique and community-focused experience. The app encourages users to share their highlights and notes, fostering a sense of learning and discovery among its users. Additionally, Glasp has an exclusive feature called "pile-on highlights". This feature notifies users when someone else highlights the same web content that they have read and highlighted, creating opportunities for discussion and collaboration.

So, what can we learn from these two seemingly unrelated topics? Well, the common thread here is the power of sharing and connecting with others. In the case of social media, it's about fostering meaningful connections and facilitating real-life experiences. In the case of highlighter apps, it's about sharing knowledge and insights with like-minded individuals.

Taking this idea further, here are three actionable pieces of advice that we can apply to our own lives:

1. Prioritize real-life experiences: In a world dominated by screens, it's easy to forget the value of face-to-face interactions. Make an effort to prioritize real-life experiences and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Whether it's going to a concert, trying out a new restaurant, or simply spending quality time together, these experiences will enrich your life and strengthen your connections.

2. Share your learning: Don't keep your knowledge and insights to yourself. Just as Glasp encourages users to share their highlights and notes, find ways to share what you learn with others. Whether it's through social media, online communities, or even in-person conversations, sharing your knowledge can spark discussions, inspire others, and create new connections.

3. Seek out like-minded individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your interests and passions. Just as highlighter apps like Glasp and Matter allow users to connect with like-minded individuals, actively seek out communities and groups where you can engage with others who have similar goals and aspirations. These connections can provide support, inspiration, and valuable insights along your journey.

In conclusion, the future of social is about bringing people together in meaningful ways. It's about prioritizing real-life experiences and fostering connections that go beyond likes and follows. And just as highlighter apps like Glasp and Matter encourage users to share their knowledge and insights, we too can make a difference by sharing our own experiences and connecting with like-minded individuals. So let's embrace this shift and create a future where social media is a tool for genuine connection and meaningful experiences.