New_ Public
@newpublic.org
We’re a nonprofit R&D lab that’s reimagining social media. Join us in building digital public spaces that connect people, embrace pluralism, and build community. newpublic.org
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New_ Public
@newpublic.org
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Introducing Roundabout: a local community web app built to help people live a flourishing life in their local town or neighborhood.
Based on rigorous research and optimized for trust. Built by a nonprofit, for the public.
Find resources, connect with neighbors, celebrate your community.
Based on rigorous research and optimized for trust. Built by a nonprofit, for the public.
Find resources, connect with neighbors, celebrate your community.
We’re signing off for the rest of the year.
From the whole team at New_ Public, hoping the holidays bring you rest, peace, joy, and light.
From the whole team at New_ Public, hoping the holidays bring you rest, peace, joy, and light.
December 22, 2025 at 7:08 PM
We’re signing off for the rest of the year.
From the whole team at New_ Public, hoping the holidays bring you rest, peace, joy, and light.
From the whole team at New_ Public, hoping the holidays bring you rest, peace, joy, and light.
A year ago, Meta announced they were introducing a new Local tab on Facebook. So where is it?
Your guess is as good as ours, but this fits a pattern: the only features that succeed on Facebook are the ones that boost metrics like “time spent on the app” and increase ad revenue.
Your guess is as good as ours, but this fits a pattern: the only features that succeed on Facebook are the ones that boost metrics like “time spent on the app” and increase ad revenue.
Introducing New Facebook Local Tab, Messenger Communities, AI Integrations and More
We’re testing new Local and Explore tabs that gather content from across Facebook to help you find what you’re interested in, plus we’re introducing an updated Video tab, AI integrations and more.
about.fb.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:09 PM
A year ago, Meta announced they were introducing a new Local tab on Facebook. So where is it?
Your guess is as good as ours, but this fits a pattern: the only features that succeed on Facebook are the ones that boost metrics like “time spent on the app” and increase ad revenue.
Your guess is as good as ours, but this fits a pattern: the only features that succeed on Facebook are the ones that boost metrics like “time spent on the app” and increase ad revenue.
We can’t let the frontier AI labs double down on the business incentives that have ruled social media.
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes that AI companions have the potential to trap us in a “synthetic intimacy” doom loop. However:
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes that AI companions have the potential to trap us in a “synthetic intimacy” doom loop. However:
December 19, 2025 at 2:54 PM
We can’t let the frontier AI labs double down on the business incentives that have ruled social media.
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes that AI companions have the potential to trap us in a “synthetic intimacy” doom loop. However:
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes that AI companions have the potential to trap us in a “synthetic intimacy” doom loop. However:
The Resonant Computing Manifesto authors, including @komorama.bsky.social and @mmasnick.bsky.social, want to encourage technology that brings out the best in us, feels human, and resonates with our deeper values.
resonantcomputing.org
resonantcomputing.org
December 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The Resonant Computing Manifesto authors, including @komorama.bsky.social and @mmasnick.bsky.social, want to encourage technology that brings out the best in us, feels human, and resonates with our deeper values.
resonantcomputing.org
resonantcomputing.org
Is this an inflection point for algorithmic choice on social media?
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
What would you tell your algorithm (if it listened)?
With experiments underway and regulatory mandates emerging, users may get more say in their feeds.
techandsocialcohesion.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Is this an inflection point for algorithmic choice on social media?
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Let’s talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of social media: ad incentives.
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
December 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Let’s talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of social media: ad incentives.
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Reposted by New_ Public
CME's @taliastroud.bsky.social discusses new research in collaboration with @newpublic.org that looks at which local digital spaces people use, how they use and view them, and how they feel about their community. Check out the discussion:
The Local Connection Crisis: New Data on What Communities Need
Now we know what we've long suspected: People really use and rely on their local Facebook groups, Nextdoor neighborhoods, and WhatsApp group chats, but they want so much more from them.
Talia Stroud, social media researcher and New_ Public Co-Founder, presents a new nationwide poll results on how
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:45 PM
CME's @taliastroud.bsky.social discusses new research in collaboration with @newpublic.org that looks at which local digital spaces people use, how they use and view them, and how they feel about their community. Check out the discussion:
If you’re interested in the future of the internet, you need to know about MCP — the protocol that may become the way AI agents interface with apps, tools, and information.
Donating MCP to Linux and building a neutral foundation around it, could lead to widespread adoption.
archive.is/WNyFG
Donating MCP to Linux and building a neutral foundation around it, could lead to widespread adoption.
archive.is/WNyFG
December 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
If you’re interested in the future of the internet, you need to know about MCP — the protocol that may become the way AI agents interface with apps, tools, and information.
Donating MCP to Linux and building a neutral foundation around it, could lead to widespread adoption.
archive.is/WNyFG
Donating MCP to Linux and building a neutral foundation around it, could lead to widespread adoption.
archive.is/WNyFG
With Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re reimagining a lot of familiar surfaces and features of “social media.”
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
December 16, 2025 at 2:49 PM
With Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re reimagining a lot of familiar surfaces and features of “social media.”
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Doesn’t it always come down to this?
There are good people working at Big Tech social media companies, and they mean well.
But because of the underlying incentives, nothing is ever allowed to get in the way of profit and growth.
time.com/7336204/meta...
There are good people working at Big Tech social media companies, and they mean well.
But because of the underlying incentives, nothing is ever allowed to get in the way of profit and growth.
time.com/7336204/meta...
December 15, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Doesn’t it always come down to this?
There are good people working at Big Tech social media companies, and they mean well.
But because of the underlying incentives, nothing is ever allowed to get in the way of profit and growth.
time.com/7336204/meta...
There are good people working at Big Tech social media companies, and they mean well.
But because of the underlying incentives, nothing is ever allowed to get in the way of profit and growth.
time.com/7336204/meta...
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes about the underlying incentives that have warped social media towards the twin evils of extraction and surveillance.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
👊💰 We need a revolution in social media business models
Deepti Doshi on the business incentives underlying social media
newpublic.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes about the underlying incentives that have warped social media towards the twin evils of extraction and surveillance.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
Reposted by New_ Public
Amazing to see New_Public roll out the first look at their new app. Thoughtful design for healthier digital public spaces isn’t just an idea, they're actually building it!. Big moment, and excited to see what this unlocks next!
Introducing Roundabout: a local community web app built to help people live a flourishing life in their local town or neighborhood.
Based on rigorous research and optimized for trust. Built by a nonprofit, for the public.
Find resources, connect with neighbors, celebrate your community.
Based on rigorous research and optimized for trust. Built by a nonprofit, for the public.
Find resources, connect with neighbors, celebrate your community.
December 12, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Amazing to see New_Public roll out the first look at their new app. Thoughtful design for healthier digital public spaces isn’t just an idea, they're actually building it!. Big moment, and excited to see what this unlocks next!
What would it look like to move on from Meta?
Comedian Maddy Kelly explains that leaving Instagram won’t be easy, but just like when younger people left Facebook, it IS possible.
(hint: read the comments for real-life examples of people who made the switch!)
youtube.com/shorts/jzvuC...
Comedian Maddy Kelly explains that leaving Instagram won’t be easy, but just like when younger people left Facebook, it IS possible.
(hint: read the comments for real-life examples of people who made the switch!)
youtube.com/shorts/jzvuC...
December 12, 2025 at 8:54 PM
What would it look like to move on from Meta?
Comedian Maddy Kelly explains that leaving Instagram won’t be easy, but just like when younger people left Facebook, it IS possible.
(hint: read the comments for real-life examples of people who made the switch!)
youtube.com/shorts/jzvuC...
Comedian Maddy Kelly explains that leaving Instagram won’t be easy, but just like when younger people left Facebook, it IS possible.
(hint: read the comments for real-life examples of people who made the switch!)
youtube.com/shorts/jzvuC...
It’s not just social media apps that can suck you into an addictive doom loop — many modern dating apps have similar features and incentives.
Candice Lim writes for @mozilla.org:
mozilla.substack.com/p/the-issue-...
Candice Lim writes for @mozilla.org:
mozilla.substack.com/p/the-issue-...
December 12, 2025 at 4:38 PM
It’s not just social media apps that can suck you into an addictive doom loop — many modern dating apps have similar features and incentives.
Candice Lim writes for @mozilla.org:
mozilla.substack.com/p/the-issue-...
Candice Lim writes for @mozilla.org:
mozilla.substack.com/p/the-issue-...
New_ Public advisor Catherine Tait how public media can double down on its advantage with local reporting and build closer to digital-first audiences.
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
Panel: The Existential Crisis Facing Public Interest Media | Attention: Govern Or Be Governed
YouTube video by Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
New_ Public advisor Catherine Tait how public media can double down on its advantage with local reporting and build closer to digital-first audiences.
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
Cambridge Dictionary’s 2025 word of the year is “parasocial.”
It describes one-sided relationships with people we don’t know but feel like we do from watching them.
While parasocial relationships can bring much-needed kinship and empathy, we might be due for less “para” and more “social” in 2026…
It describes one-sided relationships with people we don’t know but feel like we do from watching them.
While parasocial relationships can bring much-needed kinship and empathy, we might be due for less “para” and more “social” in 2026…
‘Parasocial’ is Cambridge Dictionary’s 2025 word of the year
The word ‘captures the zeitgeist of 2025, as the public’s fascination with celebrities and their lifestyles continues to reach new heights.’
www.fastcompany.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Cambridge Dictionary’s 2025 word of the year is “parasocial.”
It describes one-sided relationships with people we don’t know but feel like we do from watching them.
While parasocial relationships can bring much-needed kinship and empathy, we might be due for less “para” and more “social” in 2026…
It describes one-sided relationships with people we don’t know but feel like we do from watching them.
While parasocial relationships can bring much-needed kinship and empathy, we might be due for less “para” and more “social” in 2026…
We’re about to see what happens when an English-speaking developed nation completely cuts off its 5M+ kids 16 and under from social media.
The world is watching with great interest:
Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and the European Parliament are already following in their footsteps.
The world is watching with great interest:
Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and the European Parliament are already following in their footsteps.
Australia's ban on under-16s on social media is well on its way to becoming the global norm. I wrote about how platforms lost the argument www.platformer.news/australia-so...
December 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
We’re about to see what happens when an English-speaking developed nation completely cuts off its 5M+ kids 16 and under from social media.
The world is watching with great interest:
Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and the European Parliament are already following in their footsteps.
The world is watching with great interest:
Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and the European Parliament are already following in their footsteps.
Imagine if librarians could only issue fines. That’s what many online platforms have reduced the job of “moderator” to: punishment.
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
December 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Imagine if librarians could only issue fines. That’s what many online platforms have reduced the job of “moderator” to: punishment.
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
RESEARCH: Can our social media feeds politically polarize us?
Researchers used a browser extension to change users’ exposure to polarizing content, and found significant effects on polarization. However, we don’t know the long term effects.
www.science.org/doi/epdf/10....
Researchers used a browser extension to change users’ exposure to polarizing content, and found significant effects on polarization. However, we don’t know the long term effects.
www.science.org/doi/epdf/10....
December 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
RESEARCH: Can our social media feeds politically polarize us?
Researchers used a browser extension to change users’ exposure to polarizing content, and found significant effects on polarization. However, we don’t know the long term effects.
www.science.org/doi/epdf/10....
Researchers used a browser extension to change users’ exposure to polarizing content, and found significant effects on polarization. However, we don’t know the long term effects.
www.science.org/doi/epdf/10....
Reposted by New_ Public
Have not had the time to read this yet but the alive/dead question came up in a very similar way yesterday: what are key differences between “old” internet and the “new” internet? That discussion settled around human v robot (acknowledging that line is hard to draw!).
@spencer.place’s “alive internet theory” rejects the inevitability of a “dead internet” and boldly proclaims that “we will never let the open internet die.” Instead he asks…
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
alive internet theory
why the bots will never win and just hanging out online
news.spencer.place
December 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Have not had the time to read this yet but the alive/dead question came up in a very similar way yesterday: what are key differences between “old” internet and the “new” internet? That discussion settled around human v robot (acknowledging that line is hard to draw!).
@spencer.place’s “alive internet theory” rejects the inevitability of a “dead internet” and boldly proclaims that “we will never let the open internet die.” Instead he asks…
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
alive internet theory
why the bots will never win and just hanging out online
news.spencer.place
December 9, 2025 at 4:20 PM
@spencer.place’s “alive internet theory” rejects the inevitability of a “dead internet” and boldly proclaims that “we will never let the open internet die.” Instead he asks…
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
“How can we make the open internet more resilient, vibrant, and collaborative than ever?”
Can’t stop thinking about this quote:
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
👋 Introducing Roundabout: built for neighbors, with neighbors
New_ Public’s app for local communities enters closed beta in five pilot communities
newpublic.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Can’t stop thinking about this quote:
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
@pewresearch.org just updated their report on social media use 👀
TikTok, WhatsApp and Reddit have grown, but are still used far less than Facebook and Instagram.
See more of Pew’s extensive breakdown of the social media landscape across key demographics.
www.pewresearch.org/internet/202...
TikTok, WhatsApp and Reddit have grown, but are still used far less than Facebook and Instagram.
See more of Pew’s extensive breakdown of the social media landscape across key demographics.
www.pewresearch.org/internet/202...
December 8, 2025 at 4:23 PM
@pewresearch.org just updated their report on social media use 👀
TikTok, WhatsApp and Reddit have grown, but are still used far less than Facebook and Instagram.
See more of Pew’s extensive breakdown of the social media landscape across key demographics.
www.pewresearch.org/internet/202...
TikTok, WhatsApp and Reddit have grown, but are still used far less than Facebook and Instagram.
See more of Pew’s extensive breakdown of the social media landscape across key demographics.
www.pewresearch.org/internet/202...
@amandahoover.bsky.social in @businessinsider.com:
“Getting offline is the new social currency.”
Able to ditch email, switch to a flip phone, and log off the apps? Must be nice 💅
It shouldn’t be a luxury to have meaningful connection and peace of mind.
“Getting offline is the new social currency.”
Able to ditch email, switch to a flip phone, and log off the apps? Must be nice 💅
It shouldn’t be a luxury to have meaningful connection and peace of mind.
How going offline became the new luxury
Going phone-free has become "the biggest investment you can do and the most luxurious thing you can do." Social connection apps are cashing in.
www.businessinsider.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:36 PM
@amandahoover.bsky.social in @businessinsider.com:
“Getting offline is the new social currency.”
Able to ditch email, switch to a flip phone, and log off the apps? Must be nice 💅
It shouldn’t be a luxury to have meaningful connection and peace of mind.
“Getting offline is the new social currency.”
Able to ditch email, switch to a flip phone, and log off the apps? Must be nice 💅
It shouldn’t be a luxury to have meaningful connection and peace of mind.
Social media feeds amplify stuff that’s “engaging” (i.e. controversial, polarizing).
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
December 5, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Social media feeds amplify stuff that’s “engaging” (i.e. controversial, polarizing).
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!