Twitter co-founder and Block CEO Jack Dorsey is not just focusing on coding new social apps like Bitchat and Sun Day. He has also invested $10 million in funding experimental open-source projects and tools that could potentially revolutionize the social media landscape. These efforts are being channeled through an online collective called “and Other Stuff,” which was formed in May and includes a team consisting of Dorsey, Twitter’s first employee Evan Henshaw-Plath, “Calle” who created the e-cash platform Cashu, Alex Gleason who was the former engineering head at Truth Social, and Jeff Gardner, the fourth employee at Intercom.
The group initially came together while collaborating on Nostr, an open and “apolitical” social networking protocol that has been the main focus of Dorsey’s attention since stepping down from the board of social network Bluesky. However, the team is also looking into experimenting with other tools such as ActivityPub, the protocol behind decentralized app Mastodon, and Cashu.
Dorsey has been vocal about his criticisms of how social media platforms have evolved over the years, stating that Twitter should never have become a company and that Bluesky seemed to be repeating the mistakes made at Twitter. As a result, the team at “and Other Stuff” is determined not to build a company but instead operate as a community of hackers, working on creating technologies that could include new consumer social apps and various experiments like developer tools or libraries for others to build apps themselves.
One of the apps developed by the team is Shakespeare, a platform for building Nostr-based social apps with AI assistance. They are also behind heynow, a voice note app built on Nostr, Cashu wallet, private messenger White Noise, and the Nostr-based social community +chorus, in addition to other apps released by Dorsey.
Henshaw-Plath mentions that advancements in AI-based coding have enabled this type of experimentation, similar to how technologies like Ruby on Rails and Django fueled the earlier version of the web known as Web 2.0. In a podcast episode with Henshaw-Plath, Dorsey discusses Twitter’s history, where social media went wrong, and how it can be fixed, emphasizing the importance of open protocols and the dangers of relying too heavily on advertisers for revenue.
Dorsey funded an effort to build an open protocol within Twitter, which later became Bluesky. However, he believes that Bluesky faces similar challenges as traditional social media due to its structure and funding by VCs. Instead, Dorsey envisions a more open and decentralized approach similar to Bitcoin and Nostr, where the protocol is not owned by anyone and is completely open. This is where he intends to focus his energy, pushing for a more open and decentralized future for social media. The team at “and Other Stuff” is embarking on an exciting new venture in the realm of social media. Co-founder Biz Stone, best known for his role in creating Twitter, has teamed up with tech entrepreneur and activist Leah Culver to launch a podcast series that delves into the evolution of social media and technology. In upcoming episodes, the duo will be joined by industry experts such as Kara Swisher, Taylor Lorenz, Yoel Roth, Chris Best, Tony Stubblebine, Cory Doctorow, and RenĂ©e DiResta to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the current state of the digital landscape.
One of the key initiatives that “and Other Stuff” is spearheading is the development of a social media “Bill of Rights.” This document aims to outline the essential requirements that social media platforms must meet in areas such as privacy, security, interoperability, transparency, identity, self-governance, and portability. By establishing clear guidelines for platform accountability, the team hopes to empower users and ensure that tech companies uphold their responsibilities despite external pressures.
The project has received a significant boost from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who has provided initial funding to support the nonprofit organization. Dorsey has also been actively involved in the development of iOS apps for the initiative, while other contributors are working on creating Android versions, developer tools, and innovative social media experiments. With more developments on the horizon, Culver hints at exciting projects in the pipeline that are yet to be revealed.
As the team continues to work on expanding their impact and driving positive change in the digital sphere, “and Other Stuff” remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in the world of technology and social media. Stay tuned for more updates on their groundbreaking endeavors. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One such advancement that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries across the board, from healthcare to finance to transportation.
One of the key areas where AI is already making a significant impact is in the field of healthcare. AI-powered tools and systems are being used to analyze medical data, diagnose diseases, and even assist in surgical procedures. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images such as X-rays and MRIs to detect abnormalities that may not be visible to the human eye. This can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and provide better treatment options for patients.
AI is also being used to improve patient care and outcomes. For example, AI-powered chatbots are being used to provide patients with personalized health information and advice, while virtual health assistants can help patients manage their medications and appointments. AI can also help healthcare providers optimize their workflows and improve the efficiency of their operations, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced costs.
In the finance industry, AI is being used to automate and streamline processes such as fraud detection, risk assessment, and investment management. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity. This can help financial institutions detect and prevent fraud more effectively, saving them time and money in the process.
AI is also being used to improve customer service in the finance industry. Chatbots powered by AI can provide customers with personalized recommendations and assistance, while virtual assistants can help customers manage their finances and investments more effectively. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as increased revenue for financial institutions.
In the transportation industry, AI is being used to improve safety and efficiency. Self-driving cars, for example, use AI algorithms to navigate roads and avoid obstacles, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic flow. AI-powered systems can also optimize transportation routes and schedules, leading to reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize industries across the board, leading to improved efficiency, better outcomes, and increased innovation. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements and applications in the coming years. The possibilities are truly endless with AI, and the future looks brighter than ever.
