Decentralization: The End of Big Social’s One-Size-Fits-All Era

Decentralization: The End of Big Social’s One-Size-Fits-All Era
👋 Hi, I am Mark. I am a strategic futurist and innovation keynote speaker. I advise governments and enterprises on emerging technologies such as AI or the metaverse. My subscribers receive a free weekly newsletter on cutting-edge technology.

The future of social media isn’t one big network — it’s many, and they might not even agree on the rules.

Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform built on the AT Protocol, is shaking up the social media landscape, gaining 17 million users in a week. This migration signals a deeper shift: the decline of centralized networks and the rise of customizable, decentralized alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Nostr.

Bluesky’s unique edge lies in user-controlled experiences. Its open protocol lets users create custom feeds and moderate content based on personal preferences, unlike X' algorithmic feed. Decentralized platforms promise a fractured but tailored future, where moderation varies by server and speech isn’t universally controlled — offering choice but posing challenges for consistency.

  • Decentralization disrupts centralized network dominance.
  • User-customization fosters varied, tailored experiences.
  • New challenges emerge around moderation and fragmentation.

As social media fractures into smaller, personalized networks, the challenge will be balancing freedom with accountability. How will you navigate—and lead—this decentralized future?

Read the full article on MIT Technology Review.

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Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, widely known as The Digital Speaker, isn’t just a #1-ranked global futurist; he’s an Architect of Tomorrow who fuses visionary ideas with real-world ROI. As a global keynote speaker, Global Speaking Fellow, recognized Global Guru Futurist, and 5-time author, he ignites Fortune 500 leaders and governments worldwide to harness emerging tech for tangible growth.

Recognized by Salesforce as one of 16 must-know AI influencers , Dr. Mark brings a balanced, optimistic-dystopian edge to his insights—pushing boundaries without losing sight of ethical innovation. From pioneering the use of a digital twin to spearheading his next-gen media platform Futurwise, he doesn’t just talk about AI and the future—he lives it, inspiring audiences to take bold action. You can reach his digital twin via WhatsApp at: +1 (830) 463-6967.

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