Researchers have created Social Wiki, a new system that gives users greater control over social applications. The platform allows people to edit social apps made within Social Wiki and choose which edits made by others they want to see. The project was reported on October 29.
The system is designed for people with no coding experience. Users can create different types of websites, including photo-sharing networks, discussion forums, and dating apps.
The idea challenges the traditional social-media model, where a company controls the interface, algorithms, features, and rules. With Social Wiki, users may be able to shape their own experience instead of accepting a single design chosen by a platform.
For example, one user might prefer a simpler feed, stronger moderation tools, or a different way to display photos. Another user might want a different layout or community rules. Social Wiki appears designed to let people choose from edits made by others rather than forcing everyone into the same experience.
The platform could appeal to people frustrated with ads, algorithmic feeds, privacy concerns, and limited moderation options on major social networks. It may also be useful for small...