A New Wave Of Social Media Apps Provide Hope In A Doomscrolling World
The internet feels heavier these days. Between algorithmic outrage and endless doomscrolling, social platforms often leave users drained instead of inspired. But a new wave of social media apps provide hope in a doomscrolling world, helping people rediscover what made the early internet fun — creativity, connection, and community.
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Zehra Naqvi remembers those golden days of the early 2010s when fandoms thrived, from One Direction to Marvel. Back then, people shared filtered photos of lattes on Instagram, and Twitter was a lively hub for humor and culture. But that sense of belonging slowly faded. Today, Instagram is dominated by influencers, and Twitter — now X — feels more like a political battlefield than a community space.
“The platforms that won were the ones that kept people scrolling the longest, not the ones that made them feel the most connected,” Naqvi told TechCrunch. “Now there is an abundance of content but a scarcity of joy.”
The Rise Of Interest-Based Communities
Naqvi is part of a growing movement reshaping the digital landscape. Her new startup, Lore, is at the forefront of this transformation — part of the new wave of social media apps providing hope in a doomscrolling world.
Lore helps fans keep up with their favorite fandoms, offering curated updates and genuine interaction instead of endless algorithmic feeds. Users can follow specific storylines, creators, or niche topics — a refreshing alternative to the chaos of mainstream platforms.
People are craving smaller, safer spaces where passion outweighs performance. “Users want to spend less time on broad platforms like Facebook and X,” Naqvi said, “and more time in communities that feel personal and meaningful.”
Why Users Are Turning Away From Traditional Platforms
The shift isn’t just nostalgia — it’s survival. Constant exposure to political arguments, misinformation, and comparison culture has driven users to seek calmer digital environments.
New apps like Lore, CoHost, and Cara are responding by emphasizing community, creativity, and authenticity over algorithms. These spaces reward interaction, not outrage. They bring back the joy of genuine conversation — something the early internet once promised.
It’s no coincidence that this new wave of social media apps feels almost retro. They echo the smaller forums and Tumblr-like experiences that allowed users to be curious without judgment.
The Next Era Of Social Connection
This movement could redefine how we connect online. Instead of doomscrolling through negativity, people are rediscovering joy in shared interests and creative expression.
Platforms built around values like empathy, shared passion, and healthy interaction could represent the next era of social connection — one where algorithms amplify creativity instead of conflict.
If early social media was about exploration and discovery, this new wave is about healing and rebuilding. A new wave of social media apps provide hope in a doomscrolling world — and perhaps, a way back to what made the internet feel human in the first place.
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