Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, our digital encounters take place on platforms over which we have no control. The social media we use en masse is owned of big tech. Their business model deliberately fosters on addiction and polarisation. Their algorithms spread disinformation and, in doing so, undermine our democracy. With endless, addictive feeds, they put pressure on our mental health.
That needs to change. And fortunately, it can.
Imagine social media without addictive design, trolls or stifling algorithms. On these platforms, you know who you’re sharing with, you have control over your data and over what you see.
Sounds good? Join us!
TheNextSocials is a growing movement of people and organisations building social media that is truly social. Where healthy public debate can take place, where privacy is guaranteed, and where people can interact safely and securely.
Will you take the next step towards a new generation of social media? We are looking for:
- Politicians and policymakers, who recognise the importance of true social media and want to invest in a digital public infrastructure;
- Designers and developers, who want to build according to open standards and interoperability;
- Public and social organisations, that want to offer their communities a safe digital space;
- Individual pioneers, who, as users, pave the way for the masses.
Together, we have the knowledge, the technology and the critical mass to make social media ours again.
TheNextSocials is initiated by Mentaal.nl, PublicSpaces and Waag Futurelab. It was launched at the PublicSpaces Conference 2025 in Pakhuis de Zwijger.
