Archive — US — techcrunch
Remember Orkut? Its founder wants to bring it back
Orkut's founder, Orkut Büyükkökten, is seeking public support to revive the once-popular social networking platform, emphasizing a return to authentic human connections over algorithm-driven interactions. First launched in 2004 and shut down in 2014, the original Orkut gained immense popularity in India and Brazil. Büyükkökten aims to restore the essence of social networking amidst the rise of AI-generated content.
Key points
- Orkut was founded by Orkut Büyükkökten in 2004 while he worked at Google.
- The platform became popular in India and Brazil but was shut down by Google in 2014.
- Büyükkökten criticizes current social media trends driven by algorithms and AI.
- He calls for users to support the revival of Orkut by signing up on Orkut.com.
- This is not Büyükkökten's first attempt at a new social platform; he launched Hello in 2016, which lasted until 2020.
- The revival plan for Orkut lacks clarity on whether a new version is in development.
Why it matters
- In light of 2025 IT trends, there is a growing concern about the social impact of AI and algorithms on user experience.
- The return of nostalgic platforms reflects a larger trend of seeking authentic human connections in the digital space.
- Büyükkökten's vision aligns with the increasing demand for alternative social media that prioritizes user interaction over automation.
Orkut Büyükkökten's initiative to revive Orkut highlights a significant shift back toward valuing genuine human interaction amidst the evolving landscape of social media, potentially resonating with users dissatisfied with current platforms.