Is Threads the Future of Microblogging or Just Another Twitter Clone?
Threads, the new app from Meta that launched on July 6, has garnered a lot of attention, reaching 100 million users in under a week. Many thought it would rival Twitter, especially after Twitter's rebrand to X. However, recent data suggests that Threads might be losing momentum, with user activity and average usage time declining significantly.
While Threads may have faltered, decentralized social media has gained traction, especially in the wake of Twitter's surprise rebrand. So, is Threads poised to take over as the number-one microblogging site for crypto enthusiasts? We spoke to Web3 community builders and social media experts to get their thoughts.
Beware: Threads Isn't Actually Decentralized Yet
Threads' parent company Meta has promised that the platform will soon be decentralized. However, some Web3 enthusiasts are skeptical. Threads plans to be compatible with the decentralized social media protocol ActivityPub, which would allow users to interact with other platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky. But for now, Threads only allows users to create accounts through existing Instagram credentials, raising concerns about data privacy and true decentralization.
Despite these concerns, accessibility seems to matter more to the average user than privacy and decentralization. CoinDesk's Emily Parker points out that Threads is appealing to those who are more interested in convenience and ease of use. Verified Instagram users will find their existing verification carries over to Threads, and cross-posting as an Instagram story allows content to reach more viewers.
Threads Captured the Zeitgeist, but What's the True Value Proposition?
Twitter has faced criticism for its glitchy features and guidelines that enable hate speech. Threads seemed like a friendlier alternative, but its true value proposition remains unclear. Some critics argue that Threads devalues social connection and commodifies it, lacking the camaraderie found on platforms like Twitter.
However, members of the Web3 community are using Threads with an exploratory mindset, not relying on a single platform. Rae Isla, an Americana singer-songwriter, urges users to use the tools rather than letting the tools use them. Ultimately, Threads may replace Twitter for the general public, but it is unlikely to replace the Crypto Twitter community, which values decentralization and open-source protocols.
The Platform Wars Remind Us of the Importance of Independent Relationships
Perhaps the next platform that revolutionizes microblogging won't come from Meta but from developers working in stealth mode. Regardless, authentic relationships and meaningful connections will always transcend platforms and remain the most valuable form of communication.
