Learning Loop #2 — The Start and End of Social Networks
Is the internet doomed?
In case you missed it, a few weeks ago I introduced a new experiment on learning loops — basically a very simple book club for your inbox, a way to read and digest some great stuff in a way that actually helps you change your mind.
This week is loop #2, loosely about social networks: how to build them and what happens to them in the age of AI. I read a ton to try and find stuff worth including, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Next week I’ll share some thoughts on Ben Thompson’s excellent piece “Regretful Accelerationism” and this tweet from Marc Köhlbrugge on building WIP. They are very different and can both stand on their own, but perhaps they’ll spark something together for you as they did for me. Reading both with some care takes ~20 minutes.
I won’t bias you with my thoughts until then. Read them and if you want to send me your thoughts please do — I may include your views when I close the loop. Regardless, crystallizing your thoughts first will help you build and refine your own mental models.
-Joey
P.S. one of the most profound things that has already happened to me since starting this experiment is that I read things with a totally different eye. It has helped me realize just how much fluff there is out there which we hardly even notice as we skim across it. Whether or not this experiment ends up being a good way to do it, I’m more confident than ever that we need better mechanics to find signal in the noise. If you know of others, send them to me.
Thanks for sharing these. The WIP tweet was interesting, but I’d want to learn more about what those reported actions were on the site and specific conversations that worked so well (need more detail).
Loved the essay, and have felt this way for years. The internet has always been filled with tons of fake BS, but now our attention is worth so much more and the perils of digital life way more documented and apparent (ie. value of mental health, spotlight on cyberbullying, fake news, etc). My time online has to really work for me, and now I find myself forcing new habits that enable digital-free time (no phone Saturday, etc). You’re cool if you’re not online, and I think the final thought in the essay expresses that point and suggest a structure for it: either the internet works in the very specific way we you need as an individual, or it’s worthless.
Where is the link to learning loop #2? Sounds amazing and would love to read