The future of social is Bringing People Together, but it hasn't always been that way. In the early days, social media tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would automatically lead to a better world. They believed that giving everyone a voice would empower individuals and foster meaningful connections. However, as time went on, we started to see the negative consequences of these platforms.

The future of social is Bringing People Together, but it hasn't always been that way. In the early days, social media tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would automatically lead to a better world. They believed that giving everyone a voice would empower individuals and foster meaningful connections. However, as time went on, we started to see the negative consequences of these platforms.

Today, social media has become dominated by metrics such as likes and follows, which heavily influence our perception of ourselves. In an effort to gain validation and attention, people often present an idealized version of themselves, creating a distorted reality. Social interactions have become more about competition and comparison rather than genuine connection.

Recognizing the flaws in the current social media landscape, even giants like Facebook are repositioning their efforts towards more private communications. The belief is that in private conversations, people feel more comfortable expressing their true selves and sharing more authentic content. This shift acknowledges the importance of genuine connections and the need to move away from the curated personas we present on our feeds.

One of the main drivers of revenue for social media companies today is advertising, which is heavily reliant on the amount of time users spend on the app. This has led to a zero-sum business model where the goal is to keep users engaged for as long as possible. However, this focus on time spent detracts from the true essence of social interactions.

The real experiences we have together are what truly matter. Going to a concert with friends, sharing a meal, or simply hanging out at someone's apartment are the moments that create lasting memories. These experiences foster connection and inclusion, which are the foundations of meaningful relationships. It is these moments that should be at the core of social platforms.

The next wave of social products will shift the focus from media to experiences. Instead of passively consuming content, users will be encouraged to actively engage with each other and participate in shared activities. This new approach to social media will revolve around doing things together with friends, creating opportunities for genuine connection and meaningful experiences.

In order for these new social products to succeed, it will take thoughtful conviction. Despite the naysayers and the skeptics, it is important to be deeply attuned to latent consumer needs and to understand why something will work. Consumer products are unique in that everyone has an opinion, but those who succeed are the ones who are willing to go against the grain and challenge the status quo.

So, how can we make the future of social truly about bringing people together and fostering meaningful experiences? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize authentic connections: Encourage users to be their true selves and express their genuine thoughts and feelings. Create spaces where vulnerability is celebrated and where people can connect on a deeper level.

2. Foster real-life interactions: Develop features that facilitate real-life meetups and activities. Whether it's organizing events or providing recommendations for local experiences, the goal should be to bring people together in the physical world.

3. Focus on quality over quantity: Instead of measuring success based on time spent on the app, shift the focus to the quality of interactions. Encourage meaningful conversations and shared experiences, even if it means users spend less time on the platform. Remember, it's not about the quantity of connections, but the depth and authenticity of those connections.

In conclusion, the future of social lies in bringing people together and fostering meaningful experiences. While the current landscape may be dominated by competition and curated personas, there is a shift happening towards more authentic connections. By prioritizing genuine interactions, fostering real-life meetups, and focusing on quality over quantity, social platforms can truly fulfill their potential as tools for connection and inclusion. It's an exciting time for the future of social, and we should embrace the opportunity to create platforms that bring us closer together.