Twenty Years After Original Launch, Digg Relaunches with Alexis Ohanian Aiming to Revitalize 'Dead Internet'

Internet entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian recently sparked discussion with a social media post suggesting that "Folks are starting to realize how dead the internet is." This sentiment underscores a growing concern among tech leaders regarding the current state of online platforms, particularly the prevalence of automated content and the perceived decline in genuine user interaction. Ohanian's critique points to a digital landscape where engagement algorithms often prioritize extreme viewpoints, leading to a less joyful and more "weaponized" online experience.

In response to these concerns, Ohanian has partnered with original Digg founder Kevin Rose to relaunch the social news aggregation platform, Digg. The initiative aims to "bring the fun back" to the internet by fostering more thoughtful and constructive online communities. The new Digg intends to leverage artificial intelligence to manage the laborious "janitorial work" of content moderation, freeing human community leaders to focus on building meaningful connections and positive interactions among users.

Ohanian emphasized that a core principle of the relaunched Digg will be "proof of humanity," potentially utilizing payment verification to ensure genuine user engagement and combat the proliferation of bots. This approach seeks to create a more authentic online environment, contrasting with current social media models where a significant portion of "user-generated content" may be automated or semi-automated. He believes that AI, when transparently integrated, can enhance user experience by tempering negative instincts and allowing for better content curation.

The venture seeks to address the challenges of current social media, which Ohanian argues have lost the "joy" once characteristic of the internet due to an overemphasis on engagement metrics. By focusing on user experience and enabling niche communities to thrive, Digg aims to provide an alternative to the often chaotic and divisive mainstream platforms. This strategic move highlights a broader industry trend towards re-evaluating the foundational principles of online interaction and community building.