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Techdirt

Useful Lessons From 'Slow Social Media'

Oct 8, 2024
Eli Pariser, co-director of New Public and advocate for better digital spaces, dives into the lessons from 'slow social media.' He champions community-driven platforms like Vermont's Front Porch Forum that prioritize meaningful interactions over viral content. The conversation covers the importance of local engagement to combat disinformation, the role of local newspapers in fostering civic ties, and how careful digital design can enhance connectivity. Pariser emphasizes that with the right approach, social media can evolve into a valuable tool for communities.
48:57

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Quick takeaways

  • Moderated spaces like Front Porch Forum highlight the potential of social media to foster positive engagement and community connection.
  • New Public advocates for user-centered design in digital spaces, aiming to prioritize public interest over profit-driven models for healthier interactions.

Deep dives

The Power of Community Moderation

Social media often faces criticism for fueling discord, but examples like Front Porch Forum demonstrate that moderated spaces can foster positive engagement. This local forum distinguishes itself by ensuring every post is reviewed by human moderators before going live, which curtails harmful interactions and nurtures a sense of accountability among users. Participants in this community report feeling more informed, civically engaged, and connected to their neighbors, highlighting the positive potential of thoughtfully managed online platforms. Such moderation serves as a model for reimagining social media as a community-building tool rather than a source of negativity.

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