Tangle: A New Social App Aims to Heal the Wounds of Social Media
In an era where social media’s impact on mental health and societal well-being is under intense scrutiny, industry veterans Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, and Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest, have embarked on a mission to redefine the digital social experience. Their new venture, West Co, has recently secured $29 million in funding, with Spark Capital leading the seed round, to develop Tangle, an innovative social application designed to foster intentionality and meaningful connections among users.
The Genesis of West Co
Evan Sharp, serving as the CEO of West Co, articulated the company’s foundational question: What could I build that might help address just some of the terrible devastation of the human mind and heart that we’ve wrought the last 15 years? This introspection reflects a growing awareness of the adverse effects traditional social media platforms have had on users’ mental health, including issues like anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection.
Introducing Tangle: A Platform for Intentional Living
Launched in an invite-only beta version in November, Tangle distinguishes itself by prompting users with a simple yet profound question: What’s your intention for today? This daily prompt encourages individuals to set personal goals and share them with friends, aiming to help users plan with intention, capture the reality of their days, and see the deeper threads that shape their life. By focusing on personal growth and authentic sharing, Tangle seeks to counteract the superficial interactions that often characterize existing social media platforms.
A Response to the Social Media Crisis
The development of Tangle comes at a critical juncture when the negative impacts of social media are widely acknowledged. Documentaries like The Social Dilemma have highlighted how platforms can exploit user data and attention, leading to addictive behaviors and mental health issues. In response, there have been calls for reforms, such as reducing algorithmic manipulation and promoting user autonomy. Tangle’s emphasis on intentionality and meaningful connections aligns with these reformative efforts, offering a platform that prioritizes user well-being over engagement metrics.
The Evolution of Tangle
Biz Stone has indicated that Tangle is still in its formative stages and may undergo significant changes before its public launch. This iterative approach suggests a commitment to user feedback and adaptability, ensuring that the platform effectively addresses the complex challenges posed by traditional social media.
A Broader Movement Towards Healthier Social Media
Tangle is part of a broader movement seeking to create healthier digital environments. For instance, apps like Spindle have encouraged users to focus on personal content creation without the pressure of social validation, while platforms like Cloaq have offered anonymous spaces for open discussion. These initiatives reflect a collective desire to reclaim social media as a tool for genuine connection and self-expression.
The Road Ahead
As Tangle prepares for its full launch, it faces the challenge of differentiating itself in a crowded market and demonstrating that a social media platform can indeed contribute positively to users’ lives. The success of Tangle could signal a paradigm shift in the industry, inspiring other platforms to prioritize mental health and meaningful engagement over profit and user retention.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Biz Stone and Evan Sharp on Tangle represents a hopeful endeavor to mend the fractures caused by traditional social media. By fostering intentionality and authentic connections, Tangle aspires to offer a sanctuary from the noise and negativity that often pervade digital interactions. As the platform evolves, it will be closely watched by both users and industry observers eager to see if it can fulfill its mission of healing the human mind and heart in the digital age.
