WeAre8 unveils 'Flows' to enhance trust & conversation

WeAre8 has introduced "Flows," a feature within its social media platform that uses new verification technology to foster healthier conversations and enhance trust.

The platform, known for prioritising people over algorithms, has partnered with verification provider Legitimate to bolster trust in news content and support journalists and premium publishers. The Flows feed aims to provide users with engaging, text-based discussions reminiscent of early social media platforms while being free from the toxicity often found on other services.

WeAre8 offers a three-feed structure: the "8Stage" for video content, a "Following" feed for user connections, and "Flows" for text-based interactions. The company proposes a social environment devoid of damaging algorithms, where platform profits are noticeably shared with users, charitable foundations, and publishers via a central digital wallet.

WeAre8 Founder and CEO Zoe Kalar stated, "We do not depend on hours of scrolling to monetise people like the other platforms quietly. We put the choice back into the hands of the people, giving them the ultimate control and freedom on everything; from when they chose to watch an ad, to when they choose to be entertained, to be part of a conversation flow or click on a link and experience a deeper content experience on a partner website."

The latest architectural developments in WeAre8 allow for economic rewards through shared ad viewership and user-controlled interaction with content. Kalar added: "We saw a massive gap in the market for all the great parts of the original text-based Twitter, combined with 8's video entertainment that brings people together in a transformational way. It means real conversation, connection, and the inspiration people so desperately need right now."

Legitimate's verification system, integrated into WeAre8's platform, aspires to help users discern trustworthy news sources. Caoimhe Donnelly, CEO of Legitimate, explained, "At Legitimate, we believe in fostering trust between journalists, publishers, and the communities they serve. Partnering with WeAre8 is an exciting opportunity to reimagine social media as a positive force for journalism. By amplifying local news and verified voices, we're helping create a space where authenticity thrives, disinformation is eradicated, and trusted storytelling takes centre stage."

Kalar emphasised the company's mission to regain the inspirational nature of social media that is often overshadowed by algorithm-driven content: "Many of the most valuable voices in the world have been lost through algorithmic control, and when this happens, inspiration, connection and the truth is lost. We have forgotten the inspiration that comes through curiosity and learning. We no longer feel a connected part of the social experience; instead, we've become voyeurs to a few loud people screaming their opinions. This is inciting an epidemic of 'hopelessness'."

She further criticised competing platforms: "Platforms like X and Threads profit from hate speech, fueling toxicity and isolation. We're building a space that values all voices, inspires hope, elevates trusted sources, and wraps it around an economic model that shares with everyone."