Why RadicalNow? | A Different Social Network
There are a lot of reasons why I started RadicalNow, but I want to focus on the one that really caused me to pull the trigger. Maybe you can relate: I went onto one of my social media accounts to connect to someone I had just met. When I grabbed my phone I really felt this energy that was some kind of God connection. But then the stream pushed it’s way in and, before I knew it, two hours was gone. By the time I noticed, I didn’t feel the same energy.
I locked my phone and sat there. How many amazing things has God prepared that we leave on the table because we’re too distracted, disillusioned, and disintegrated by our digital lives.
So I thought, “I know something about building private social networks.” I think it’s time.
So here is RadicalNow! — my small attempt to create social media I want — all the people I want to connect to and collaborate with and none of the junk I don’t. Maybe it can be the same for you?
Here’s some of the basic why’s for why I built RadicalNow!:
1
No Algorithms
There is no robot or AI showing you content on this site. You see the chronological feed of the people you follow or friend and the groups you join. We throw in some curated content from our community and public groups and that’s it. We’re not interesting in manipulating your emotions or holding your attention longer than God wills.
2
Distraction Free
I believe the most powerful thing in the universe is the will of God manifest in the loving obedience of his people. Anything that distracts from that is us loosing — and the world around us loosing too. I want to build a place that empowers that with connection and equipping, but as soon as you have what you need to execute with your people, you’re off your screen and moving in the real world.
3
Non-Addictive
Most social media is engineered to produce an instant addictive response that results in consumption. The more you consume, the more you must consume. It’s destroying relationships and degrading lives. I’m sorry, that’s bondage and we ought to be treating this like we would drugs. I don’t care if people spend less time on this site, I don’t want you here if you can’t look away. In Christ is freedom — you ought to be able to put your phone down whenever he calls.
4
Discipline-Driven
We are made in the image of The Creator — we’re born to produce, not consume. I want a social media space driven by our passion for changing the world and dedicated to developing ourselves in that pursuit — not endless consuming content to generate ad revenue for globo-corps that don’t care about us. You should be here for your Gospel hustle — they you should be off hustling.
5
Pure Hearted
Social media connects people — but often it connects to the worst in us. Honestly, sometimes it’s harder to love people when I see what they post, and hard to compete with the ugliness out there. I’m ready to give up my FOMO and spend time in a place that is less flashy — even less “relevant” — so long as it’s rich in the kind of people I want to be like — because they’re like Jesus.
If these values seem like you, WELCOME HOME! Take a look at the Timeline to see what’s going on. Really, so much happens in our Community groups, so check out a few of those or start your own. If you’re looking for somebody, check out Members — and if you’re new around here, I’d love to be your first connection.
What’s your perfect social media space? Let me know in the comments.
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