"The Death of the Newsfeed: Building Products & The Importance of Focus"

"The Death of the Newsfeed: Building Products & The Importance of Focus"

In today's fast-paced digital world, the concept of a newsfeed has become ubiquitous. We scroll through endless streams of content, from photos of friends' vacations to news articles that catch our attention. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact of this constant influx of information on our lives and the products we use?

One key aspect to consider is the importance of focus in building great products. Throughout my career, I have observed that the most successful product managers are those who stick with one idea for an unreasonable period of time. This level of dedication and focus allows them to truly understand the problem they are trying to solve and develop innovative solutions.

Similarly, founders are often asked to build one idea for an unreasonable period of time. Venture capitalists who fund these ideas seek conviction and focus. They understand that by honing in on one specific concept, the chances of creating a truly exceptional product increase exponentially. It's like the old saying goes: "Jack of all trades, master of none." By avoiding the temptation to become a used car salesman with a multitude of products to pitch and sell, product teams can channel their energy and resources into perfecting a single offering.

Now, let's delve into the concept of the newsfeed itself and its impact on our online experiences. Benedict Evans, a renowned technology analyst, has discussed the death of the newsfeed in relation to Dunbar's number and "Zuckerberg's law." Dunbar's number suggests that we can only maintain meaningful relationships with a limited number of people, typically a few hundred. However, social media platforms like Facebook encourage us to friend and connect with a much larger network.

This leads to overload. The asymmetric nature of the newsfeed makes it seem normal to post frequently and share less important things. After all, we're not explicitly sending this content to someone; we're simply posting it to our feed. This behavior creates a tragedy of the commons scenario, where we overload each other's feeds with an abundance of information. Suddenly, the desire to share everything clashes with the limited attention span and interest of the audience.

The issue becomes even more complex when we consider the algorithmic nature of the newsfeed. While Google shows us exactly what we search for, Facebook does not have the same direct signal. It is left to determine what content to show us based on various factors. This presents a challenge - what should the newsfeed prioritize? Who gets to decide what we see and what we don't? And how should the weighting of different types of content be determined?

As a result, we find ourselves constantly swinging between different types of expression and content consumption. Our desires change, and we grow bored of certain things. In response, Facebook has to continuously change the mix of content to try to reflect these shifting preferences. But is this really the best approach? Are we moving away from the concept of the newsfeed altogether?

Now, let's take a step back and reflect on these insights. How can we apply them to our own lives and the products we build? Here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Embrace Focus: Whether you're a product manager or a founder, resist the urge to jump from one idea to another. Instead, commit to one concept and give it the attention it deserves. By focusing on a single problem, you increase the chances of finding a truly innovative solution.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Instead of bombarding users with an overload of content, aim to provide them with meaningful and relevant experiences. Consider the impact of each piece of content and its value to the user. Strive to create a feed that is tailored to their specific needs and desires.

3. Continuously Adapt and Improve: Just as Facebook constantly changes its mix of content, be willing to adapt and evolve your product based on user feedback and changing trends. Stay attuned to the needs of your audience and be open to making necessary adjustments to improve their experience.

In conclusion, the death of the newsfeed is a complex issue that highlights the importance of focus in product development. By honing in on one idea and committing to it, product managers and founders increase their chances of building exceptional products. Additionally, the overload of information in our newsfeeds calls for a reevaluation of the content we consume and share. Prioritizing quality over quantity and continuously adapting to user needs are key factors in creating a successful and engaging user experience. So, let us embrace focus and rethink the power of the newsfeed in our digital world.