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What’s old is new again, as seems to be the case for Noplace, a new social media app that feels reminiscent of MySpace and is becoming incredibly popular. Noplace soared in Apple’s App Store charts when it launched out of its invite-only mode, TechCrunch reports. Noticeably, the new app, which courts younger Gen Z users, has numerous features from former millennial social media sites, including MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter (now X). Profiles are colorful and customizable, which was a big part of MySpace’s charm and even present in the early days of Twitter. Users can share updates on how they’re doing, list their interests, and note their relationship statuses, which all borrow from Facebook. And there’s a place to note “top 10 friends” in what appears to be a clear nod to MySpace’s “Top Eight” feature. CEO and founder Tiffany Zhong is, unsurprisingly, a social media native herself, and the details she’s picked up from that experience fuel Noplace. “Facebook 10 years ago — or Facebook when I was using it in middle school — was all around cool, life updates,” Zhong tells TechCunch. “We don’t get that anymore, right? You can follow [friends] on Instagram, but it’s still highlights, less updates.”
To that end, the outlet points out, much of Noplace is text-based. There isn’t photo or video support at the moment. The app also claims it doesn’t include algorithms but instead “leverages AI technology to drive suggestions and curation,” according to TechCrunch. The app doesn’t edit the feed for you, but rather uses AI to do things like offering summaries of what you’ve missed.” Further, Noplace has two feeds: one for friends and a global feed that includes everyone on the app. Yes, everyone, as there are apparently no private profiles. Without the presence of an algorithm, both feeds are presented in reverse chronological order. For users under 18, there is a moderated feed. “The company is focused on moderation, having built its own internal dashboard for the purpose, and is tasking a team to ensure users stay safe,” TechCrunch reported. Zhong may have taken note of the issues other social media apps have faced over child safety and privacy, leading to a more proactive approach. Truer to startup form, there’s no monetization plan for Noplace — at least not yet — TechCrunch reports. How all of these elements will come together for Noplace remains to be seen. Many social media apps have seen similar chart climbs only to fall by the wayside.
Image credits: Noplace
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