Zehra Naqvi remembers the charm of early social media. Back in the 2010s, she found joy in fan communities for One Direction and Marvel. Instagram was filled with latte art, and Twitter felt like a gathering place for laughs and discussions.
But things have changed. Instagram is now overrun with influencers, while Twitter has morphed into X, a battleground for political debates. “Platforms that thrived focused on keeping users scrolling instead of fostering real connections,” Naqvi told TechCrunch. “Now, there’s a lot of content but little joy.”
However, a shift is happening. Naqvi belongs to a new wave of creators focused on niche communities. She recently launched her site, Lore, designed to help fans stay connected with their interests. She believes users are moving away from broad platforms like Facebook and Instagram, yearning for spaces that cater specifically to their passions.
Natalie Dillon, a consumer investor, sees many new founders building these interest-first networks. “Today, community is not just an add-on; it is the main attraction,” she said. Apps like Beli help users share favorite restaurants, and Co-Star connects astrology enthusiasts.
These apps emphasize participation over mere content consumption, a contrast to the past model focused on accumulating likes and followers. Naqvi highlights that niche communities allow people to express their true selves without being lost in algorithms.
“Depth matters more than breadth,” Naqvi said. This perspective signifies a shift away from creating single giant platforms towards a multitude of specialized ones.
Niche communities have always existed—think subreddits or Discord servers. But large sites often push users toward popular trends, drowning out individuality. “We’re at a saturation point,” Naqvi explained. “People are tired of endless scrolling and surface-level content.”
Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell, notes increased user concerns about online time, content moderation, and the permanence of social media posts. While platforms like TikTok and Facebook continue to flourish, the broader trend seems to lean towards smaller, more focused spaces.
Terrell, founder of the social network Spill, created a community-based platform for users fleeing extremism on mainstream sites. He emphasizes depth and connection, with features designed to foster interaction, like watch parties and community games.
Another promising platform is Blacksky, which prioritizes the safety and comfort of marginalized communities. Founder Rudy Fraser stated that users can completely filter their timelines, creating a customized experience.
In the technical space, AI is revolutionizing how these communities form. Austin Clements, a managing partner at Slauson & Co, noted that new apps are built to intuitively understand and meet niche needs. Naqvi’s product utilizes AI in innovative ways, offering insights into fandoms and personal interests.
As creators like Naqvi gain ground, they steer away from traditional content creation toward ownership and community-building. Trends show that gaming and niche passion projects are on the rise, suggesting that the next big platforms will prioritize user engagement and belonging.
Ultimately, Naqvi sums it up: “People want tools that remind them of the joy of being online.” As social media evolves, it seems the future lies in creating spaces where individuals can connect deeply and share authentically.
For further insights into this evolving landscape, you can explore expert perspectives on the impact of social media or stay updated with community-focused platforms like Bluesky.
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