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Open social web browser Surf makes it easier for anyone to build custom feeds
Surf, an app by Flipboard, simplifies the creation of custom social feeds focused on user interests, allowing greater control away from algorithmic timelines. Its new Starter Sets feature enables anyone to easily build personalized feeds from various sources, including social networks and blogs, promoting a more tailored social media experience.
Key points
- Surf is developed by Flipboard to create custom social feeds.
- Starter Sets allow users to easily build personalized feeds, targeted at non-technical users.
- The app focuses on content from open social networks like Bluesky, Mastodon, and others, as well as blogs and podcasts.
- Globally, social network APIs are becoming more restrictive, prompting the shift toward the open social web.
- Users can publish their custom feeds directly to Bluesky, expanding their reach.
Why it matters
- Recent trends in IT highlight a growing demand for user control over social media content. The rise of open-source platforms and decentralized social networks reflects this trend.
- Historically, platforms like Twitter (now X) have faced criticism for algorithm-driven feeds, sparking user interest in more customizable solutions.
- The decline of traditional media and the rise of user-generated content are significant factors in the development of apps like Surf.
Surf represents a significant innovation in social media, allowing users to reclaim control of their online experiences amid growing concerns about algorithmic manipulation by major tech companies.