Social media is destroying society. Years ago, the internet let me stay in touch with people I met abroad. The internet offered a vision of universal knowledge, tolerance, and free speech. Restraining it would be like “trying to nail Jello to the wall”(President Clinton). Now, the internet fuels authoritarianism, surveillance, polarization, lies, and nationalism. Teenage suicide rates are rising, and AI-generated content is just getting started. Memes and disinformation replaced debate and human connection. Social media isn’t social anymore. People don’t share real opinions or vulnerabilities due to risks to their friendships, careers, and personal freedom – the risk is not worth the reward. But it’s not too late. Offline, people are friendly, moderate, and open-minded, leading to meaningful debates. We need to replicate this online. In 2018, I started the Foundation for a Human Internet, after realizing the same dangerous, systematic trends were tearing apart societies in Germany, the U.S. and Indonesia. Now, we are launching Helio (https://www.helio.social/), a new social media app designed to protect mental health, reduce self-censorship, and safeguard privacy. After connecting with friends, Helio allows users to post, comment, and chat while using ‘Incognito Mode’ within existing trusted communities. This creates candid and honest conversations. After 2 years of work and countless iterations, Helio is now live on the App Store. Try it out – you’ll love it!! Please reach out if you want to help us disrupt the toxic influence of social media, starting on U.S. colleges. Everyone can help!

Helio

Social Media as it should be

Social Media as it should be