Evan Henshaw-Plath Launches diVine to Revive Authentic Social Media

UPDATE: In a bold move to revive the spirit of social media, Evan Henshaw-Plath, a key figure behind Twitter’s early success, has launched diVine, a new app aimed at countering the surge of AI-generated content. Supported by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit initiative and a significant $10 million grant, diVine seeks to bring back the community-driven essence of the once-beloved short-form video platform, Vine, which was shut down in 2017.

DiVine isn’t just another app; it’s a protest against the “black box” algorithms dominating current social media. Henshaw-Plath, who goes by the alias Rabble, emphasized that the platform is designed to celebrate “real moments from real humans, not AI.” He stated, “There’s this bullshit that we’re seeing from Meta and OpenAI… Social media was social first. It’s about humans and our connection.”

The app is fueled by a vision to combat what Rabble calls “enshittification,” a term denoting the gradual decline of platforms that prioritize profit over user experience. He explained that diVine is his “attempt to fight back against the enshittification, in code.” With over 100,000 archived videos restored from 2.5 terabytes of data, diVine aims to preserve the cultural history of Vine that many users fondly remember.

The launch comes at a time when social media users are growing increasingly weary of AI-dominated platforms. Rabble’s mission resonates with a broader audience longing for authentic connections amidst the overwhelming presence of AI-generated content. He elaborated on the need for a decentralized internet, where users can engage freely without restrictions imposed by large platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

While Rabble acknowledges that diVine isn’t a “Hail Mary” attempt to dethrone platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, he envisions a sustainable way for the app to thrive. “I’d like to find some way for the app to pay for itself,” he said, hinting at potential in-app purchases akin to those on Twitch.

The revival of diVine taps into a wave of nostalgia for the early social media era, with many users yearning for the simplicity and creativity that platforms like Vine once offered. Rabble, now 48, expressed his commitment to restoring this unique community, stating, “It’s a project that shows the kind of internet we want.”

As users flock to diVine, the app stands as a beacon for those craving genuine digital interactions. The launch has sparked conversations about the future of social media and what it means to connect authentically in an increasingly AI-dominated landscape.

WHAT’S NEXT: As diVine gains traction, all eyes will be on its ability to foster a vibrant community while maintaining its anti-AI stance. The app’s success could signal a significant shift in social media dynamics, encouraging other platforms to prioritize user-driven content over algorithms. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.