Noplace, a new social network for generation Z: exclusive interview with the creator of the platform

Memory readers will remember MySpace, the platform that dominated online communication some 20 years ago. This was before the era of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: back then there were fewer algorithms and beauty filters on the Internet. Now, in mid-2024, Social network Noplace. wants to restore the essence of these interactions in the digital environment. It has a specific audience: Generation Z, which includes those born between 1997 and 2012.

The new social network has not yet been launched, but has already become noticeable.. Even those responsible for the project are surprised by the virality of their proposal. A few weeks after the official rollout, there are more than half a million interested users on the waiting list. In addition, we repeat, it has not yet launched! — was included in the list of successful applications in the Apple App Store.

Hypertext spoke exclusively with Tiffany Zhong, founder and CEO of the social network Noplace and, as you can imagine, a member of Generation Z. She spoke to us about the motivations that drive her project and shared details to keep in mind as the platform debuts. First of all, this will be for users of iOS devices.

Less algorithms, more communication skills

As we noted earlier, Zhong’s proposal gained notoriety due to its seductive promise. The mood is like this restore the essence of online communication most typical of MySpace and the early years of Facebook. “I see that now networks are just mass media, that they are no longer social. “Everyone is checking each other’s lives, but no one is interacting,” says the mind behind this new digital movement.

“Do you remember how the Internet was very interesting before the advent of algorithms and advertising? We also. “That’s why we’re bringing it back.” This is the motto of sales of the social network Noplace in the App Store, where, by the way, it is not yet available for download. It will happen soon. It’s worth mentioning that The platform began circulating as Nospace and later adopted the name under which it will launch on June 12..

“I’ve been called the Gen Z charmer,” says the creator of the social network Noplace.

Zhong (27) says that The proposal of the new network is to restore communication with other people, as well as self-expression.. To achieve this, the platform will have customizable profile pages where users will share updates. To design this creature digital, she turned to her experience with this age group.

In the resume of the founder of the social network Noplace we find experience in the world of developing business. In addition to her recent initiative, she is the creator of a venture capital firm that supports startupsand a research group focused on Generation Z. He has also consulted for industry giants including Snapchat and Google. “I help companies achieve zoomers more effective. Of course, for privacy reasons, I can’t go into details,” the young woman, who lives in San Francisco, California, tells this publication.

Remember the moment when the idea of ​​​​creating the social network Noplace appeared?

It was last October: the plan appeared. We were in beta testing at the time, and word of the app spread on Twitter. It went viral. Some people even ask to buy invitation codes to enter the app. Let us remind you that access to it will be free! Suddenly we come to Apple’s featured listings, despite requiring invitation codes to access.

How do you explain your overall interest in Generation Z, which is the target of your projects, including the social network Noplace?

Let’s start with the fact that I belong to this group. I have been involved in initiatives to bridge the generation gap since I was 17 while still in high school. So much so that I’ve been dubbed the “Gen Z charmer.”

Looking at the currently popular networks, what aspects do you think the algorithms have screwed up? What is it about them that the social network Noplace will miss?

To solve this problem, we are creating interesting artificial intelligence features. Besides, feed Chronological order means you’ll see posts from everyone you’re friends with, which is something you don’t see in any other social media app.

What are you aiming for with this project? Where do you want the social network Noplace to occupy in a present filled with offerings focused on short-form content that is consumed very quickly?

Really, I just want to create a place where people can find their people. Where everyone can express themselves and connect with those they might not otherwise encounter. It’s all about self-expression and communication.

Everything you need to know about the new platform for zoomers

Social network Noplace will launch first on iOS devices and will Free access. As we have already noted, the planned date is June 12 next year.

According to information shared in the preview, the platform will allow users to share what they “see, eat, read and hear in real life,” highlighting their interests so they can find people with similar interests. Additionally, by restoring one of the old MySpace features, you will be able to list of closest friends.

“Users crave experiences that traditional apps can’t provide,” marketer Katya Varbanova said in a review of the site. Bustle which examines the capabilities of the social network Noplace. “Information overload and constant comparison can lead to anxiety, eating disorders and mental health problems. It’s no surprise that Gen Z craves places where they feel better, not worse.“he added.

Based on similar ideas, Noplace will include buttons similar to the Facebook “Like” button. However, this will not boost your content, rank it, or make it more visible. According to the creators of the platform, it will be “just for fun.” Zhong, known in her circle as TZ, concludes: “Communication is more important now than ever. and he is no more.” If everything goes as they plan, Noplace – the official site for keeping up with news – could help regain lost ground in the digital scene.