BuzzFeed, the popular digital media company, has announced plans to launch a new social media platform that aims to combat the addictive nature of existing social media platforms. In a blog post published on Tuesday, BuzzFeed co-founder and CEO Jonah Peretti highlighted the growing discontent with platforms that use AI-driven algorithms to keep users glued to their screens, and outlined the company's vision for a platform that prioritizes user agency and creativity.

The new platform, which is currently in development, is designed to be an "oasis from algorithm-driven doomscrolling" and will introduce "quirky, weird, and joyful experiences to make the internet fun again." According to Peretti, the platform will use AI to "give users agency" rather than take it away, a stark contrast to the approach taken by companies like Meta and TikTok, which prioritize the judgment of AI algorithms over the thoughts of their employees.

Peretti's blog post provides insight into the motivations behind BuzzFeed's decision to create a new social media platform. He argues that the current social media landscape is dominated by content that "elicits the most compulsive and predictable response from the human brain," which he terms "SNARF" (Stakes, Novelty, Anger, Retention, and Fear). This type of content, Peretti claims, is designed to manipulate users into spending more time on platforms, rather than promoting meaningful engagement or creativity.

BuzzFeed's new platform, on the other hand, will focus on creating content that "gives you a little buzz, helps you relax, have a good time, and connect with your friends." The company's goal is to create a platform that is designed for creativity and connection, rather than addiction. As Peretti notes, "The future of social media should be designed for creativity and connection, not addiction. This isn’t about making BuzzFeed better, it’s about reimagining what the internet can be."

The move is a significant one for BuzzFeed, which has been expanding its reach through acquisitions, including HuffPost and Tasty. The company's decision to launch a new social media platform reflects its commitment to creating a more positive and engaging online environment, and could potentially disrupt the dominance of existing social media giants.

Users can sign up for early access to BuzzFeed's social network on the company's website. While details about the platform's features and launch date are scarce, the announcement marks an exciting development in the world of social media, and could potentially pave the way for a more user-centric and creative online experience.

The implications of BuzzFeed's move are far-reaching, and could have significant consequences for the social media industry as a whole. As the company works to create a platform that prioritizes user agency and creativity, it will be interesting to see how existing social media giants respond, and whether they will be forced to re-evaluate their own approaches to user engagement.

In the meantime, BuzzFeed's announcement serves as a timely reminder of the need for a more thoughtful and considered approach to social media, one that prioritizes the needs and well-being of users, rather than simply seeking to maximize engagement and profits.