In a surprising move, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has revealed its plans to launch a text-based conversation app, striving to compete with Twitter. This news surfaced after a secret meeting with select creators, hinting at the app’s decentralized nature and compatibility with similar platforms like Mastodon. While it builds upon Instagram’s foundation, its independent functionality has piqued the interest of many.
The leaked screenshots showcase a user interface that closely resembles that of Twitter and maintains a centralized feed. It enables users to view a range of content, including text, images, and videos, shared by not only their followers but also recommended accounts. Posts have a 500 character limit, ensuring succinct engagement and interaction. Lia Haberman, a social media marketing expert from UCLA Extension, explains that the upcoming app will work in tandem with other decentralized social media applications to broaden user reach.
While separate from Instagram, this new app will maintain creator controls and account safety features found in the current platform (e.g., blocked accounts and keywords will be carried over). Bloomberg reporter Sarah Frier confirms this product’s development from insider sources. Meta had previously announced its interest in developing a standalone decentralized social network, stressing the potential for creators and public figures to share momentary updates in a unique, engaging space.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this app, its inception has stirred up conversations around the merits and drawbacks of decentralized platforms. On the one hand, decentralization fosters user anonymity, freedom, and independence from potential control by a single entity. Furthermore, bridging the gap between networks like Mastodon and Instagram can increase connectivity, exposure, and communication between users and communities.
Conversely, limited oversight and regulatory measures could raise concerns about the proliferation of problematic content and conversations occurring on these platforms. Ensuring user safety when integrating features like blocked accounts and keywords may prove challenging for the upcoming app. Moreover, users may be wary of the implications of a major parent company like Meta supporting the push for a decentralized internet.
This news comes as Jack Dorsey’s fintech company Block announced the development of a Web5 decentralized web platform. This platform aims to incorporate “decentralized identity and data storage” into applications, further embracing the potential of decentralization.
With a projected launch slated for late June, Instagram’s text-based app is garnering attention from enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Balancing innovations in decentralization with user safety and security remains a delicate act, but the results could significantly impact the future of social media and online communication.
Source: Cointelegraph
