What are Decentralized Social Networks?

In response to the evolution towards Web 3.0, decentralized social networks have arrived as the alternative to traditional social media.

It was around 2004 when Web 1.0 (the static web) was completely absorbed by Web 2.0 (the web as a platform).

Web 2.0 is the web we know today, which focuses on user-created content (social media and blogs). This content and the corresponding data generated are stored on a centralized server owned by a company, such as Google or Facebook.

This way, the power and influence that companies have behind social networks is incalculable. The main criticism towards these is the use of the large amount of data they have as a currency for brand advertising.

In response, we are in the midst of the process of evolution towards Web 3.0, an even more intelligent web that will be able to interpret and interconnect a greater number of data, in a decentralized way and without intermediaries.

In this article, we explain what decentralized social networks are, how they work, and we list some of the most popular decentralized social networks at the moment:

What are Decentralized Social Networks?

Decentralized social networks are those social media that operate on servers that run independently. In other words, they are social networks that are not in the hands of a company, but rather their users make the decisions.

The main feature is the use of blockchain and smart contract systems. This way, users have more control and autonomy. The user can decide the settings of the social network and determine how it works and what users can say.

How they work?

The following key elements characterize decentralized social networks :

• Blockchain Technology

The main feature of the blockchain is transparency. Thanks to the open data network, anyone on a network can see the data in near real time.

In some way, the Blockchain brings trust back in the privacy of social networks thanks to its cryptographic nature.

On the other hand, the probability of data theft is almost zero.

• Control in the hands of the user

Unlike traditional platforms, decentralized social networks encourage independence without a central authority.

Ownership of personal data, control over content or censorship is in the user control. That is, no individual or company can dictate the rules of other users or groups.

• Privacy and Security

User concerns about the control of their personal data have led to the establishment of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. However, this legislation considers social media companies to be the “data processors” so they still have control over the data.

In decentralized social networks, users can create accounts without having to be linked with identities, such as an email address or phone number.

Additionally, decentralized social networks often rely on public-key cryptography for account security, rather than relying on a single organization to protect user data.

• Freedom of expression and resistance to censorship

In traditional social networks, the entities are the ones that establish the rules of participation of the users. On the other hand, in decentralized networks, users set the rules.

That is, no authority can modify or delete the content created by users.

This feature has created a lot of debate. On the one hand, there are those who think that banning violent messages helps to protect users, while others consider that prohibitions go against the ideals of freedom of expression. Although users can block these groups, they cannot prevent them from participating in the network.

• Economic Neutrality

Economic neutrality is essential for many who turn to decentralized social networks, who seek freedom from invasive advertising.

Decentralized networks are looking for new forms of monetization to stay solvent. For example, paying their users with cryptocurrencies to create or curate content. This way, content creators are incentivized to focus on quality.

The most popular decentralized social networks

• MINDS

Minds is an alt-tech blockchain-based social network. Users can post videos, blogs, images and set a statuses. Also, send messages and make videochats. Trending feeds and hashtags allow you to explore and discover articles of interest to you.

It is a good alternative to Facebook or Twitter.

• AETHER

Aether is a network of self-governing communities, and a tool for private communication for teams. The moderator is chosen by the community, however it can have the title removed if the community votes so. Also, if no one saves it, the content is only kept for six months.

It is a good alternative to Reddit.

• SIGNAL

Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted instant messaging service. Unlike other instant messaging platforms, Signal does not track, share, or invade its users’ messages.

It is a good alternative to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

• LBRY

LBRY is a blockchain-based file-sharing and payment network that powers decentralized platforms. It allows creators to offer a type of digital content such as movies, books and games.

It is a good alternative to Youtube.

• KARMA

Karma is an on-chain social network. Users create posts and earn tokens for getting likes or having others share their content. These tokens can then be used to boost your content or convert it to real money.

It is a good alternative to Instagram.

• MASTODON

Mastodon  is an open source decentralized social network. This network of thousands of communities is operated by different organizations and individuals. These communicate through short-length posts to create a smoother communication experience.

It is a good alternative to Twitter.

Predictions for the following years

In the last decade, social networks have changed at a very fast speed. What started as a series of platforms where people could connect and interact has become one of the main channel of advertising for brands, including social and political movements.

Increasing cases of censorship and privacy issues have accelerated the growth of decentralized social networks. Furthermore, as blockchain technology becomes more accessible around the world, the power of competition with big tech companies is greater.

Some of these traditional platforms are already focusing on this topic. For example, already in 2019 the then CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, stated that they were taking the first steps to become the first large traditional decentralized social network.

With these indications, the sector expects decentralized social networks to make a great leap in the coming years, in line with the growth of the blockchain industry.