Launched Agora MMXXV — the antithetical social media platform

After six plus solid months of programming, I am proud to announce that my social media site Agora MMXXV is up and running. No algorithmic feed, likes, follows, post metrics, etc. It was challenging to strip everything away that is destructive and built for the Zuckerbergs of this world, but it was also enjoyable. Agora is how I want social media to be and I am thankful that I was able to integrate nuance that goes well beyond a basic internet connection between two people.

Agora is far more than just addition with subtraction. After all, absence does not equal innovation. What is innovative is subtraction plus friction. We avoid friction like the plague and yet it has so much potential to add quality to our lives. We choose frictionless methods of online engagement that claim to promote community and connection and we are slowly learning that the promises are empty. Friction leads to growth and by it being eliminated from social media for monetary gain the world has been stunted.

Modern social media cannot compete with friction. It must rely on frictionless models or risk losing a customer to another site that provides a friction coefficient of 0. While programming Agora, I decided to integrate friction — not to frustrate its users, but to ask of them something great. This comes at a cost and most are not willing to pay it, but time has told again and again that those who are willing to take the risk reap great reward.

Life is short. Today may be our last and that should inspire us to take risks. I am thankful for the opportunity to take the risks that I have with Agora. Agora is how I would like social media to be and I do not want to look back and wish it was different. Agora is only what it's users make of it. I am thankful to have laid the foundation with just enough friction to promote growth. It is time that we become comfortable with friction — not for the sake of Agora, but for the sake of the world that we live in. Agora is the antithetical social media platform and tomorrow is looking very promising.

www.agorammxxv.com/ethics