Revolution.Social Chris Messina on Hashtags, Google+ & the Unintended Consequences of Building Social Media
4 snips
Aug 28, 2025 
Chris Messina, a tech innovator and the mind behind the hashtag, dives deep into the evolution of social media. He reflects on the failure of Google+, citing its focus on Google's needs over user experience. The conversation highlights how algorithms compromise authenticity, while hashtags, initially a tool for connection, often incentivize manipulation. Chris also warns of the challenges posed by AI and advocates for authentic human connections, urging the next generation to prioritize meaningful engagement in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
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How The Hashtag Was Born
- Chris Messina described inventing the hashtag to solve noisy SMS-era Twitter problems where people wanted event-specific streams.
- He proposed it to Twitter staff and Biz Stone initially rejected it but users adopted it anyway.
Google+ Solved Google's Problem, Not Users'
- Chris argues Google+ was built as a platform for Google first, not users, so it fused many identity systems into one.
- That focus on Google's needs produced cognitive overhead (circles, controls) that users found burdensome.
Privacy Controls Must Be Contextual
- Messina says contextual privacy needs vary by product and a universal complex identity model fails in practice.
- He shows users won't maintain heavy manual lists like Google Circles in social contexts.
