TechCrunch Startup News A new wave of social media apps provide hope in a doomscrolling world
Oct 20, 2025
A wave of new social media apps aims to combat doomscrolling by fostering genuine connections. Users are seeking niche communities that prioritize authenticity over follower counts. The discussion reveals how traditional platforms often prioritized attention over meaningful interactions. Investors are shifting focus to community-driven approaches, emphasizing participation. There’s a notable contrast between broadcast platforms and spaces that cultivate user relationships. Innovations like Black Sky highlight the importance of user control and data ownership in creating healthier online environments.
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Nostalgia For Early Fandom Communities
- Zehra Naqvi recalls early social internet fandoms like One Direction and Marvel that felt magical and communal.
- She built LORE to help fans keep up with their fandoms after mainstream platforms became influencer-driven.
Community Over Broadcast
- Consumer demand is shifting from performance (broadcast) to participation (community-first products).
- Investors and founders now see community as the product, not a feature layered on top.
Prioritize Depth Over Reach
- Build for depth and specific interests instead of maximizing reach and followers.
- Focus on helping people 'find their people' because depth matters more than breadth, Nakfi said.