Eli Pariser
@eli.bsky.social
New_ Public cofounder / Filter Bubble author / dad, husband, human
Pinned
Eli Pariser
@eli.bsky.social
· Jan 13
Today’s one for the history books: Mastodon is becoming an independent non-profit, and Bluesky is supporting #FreeOurFeeds taking their AT Protocol in the same direction.
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Rather than settle for the status quo of social media, artist and writer @joshuacitarella.bsky.social imagines a truly “public” platform, as useful and universal as the post office.
What’s possible when we disconnect from the underlying business incentives that have shaped the social internet?
What’s possible when we disconnect from the underlying business incentives that have shaped the social internet?
The Case for a Public Social Media Platform - JSTOR Daily
Artist and writer Joshua Citarella explores why corporate platforms corrode democracy—and what a postal-service-style digital commons could do differently.
daily.jstor.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Rather than settle for the status quo of social media, artist and writer @joshuacitarella.bsky.social imagines a truly “public” platform, as useful and universal as the post office.
What’s possible when we disconnect from the underlying business incentives that have shaped the social internet?
What’s possible when we disconnect from the underlying business incentives that have shaped the social internet?
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Have you noticed that a lot of news sites are restarting or reimagining their comment sections? Which news orgs are doing comments exceptionally well right now?
www.niemanlab.org/2026/01/news...
www.niemanlab.org/2026/01/news...
January 15, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Have you noticed that a lot of news sites are restarting or reimagining their comment sections? Which news orgs are doing comments exceptionally well right now?
www.niemanlab.org/2026/01/news...
www.niemanlab.org/2026/01/news...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Why are we disconnected, and how could we reconnect?
The US Chamber of Connection just released the Social Connection Index, a “practical, data-backed blueprint for rebuilding social bonds, trust, and belonging across communities.”
Take a closer look at the full report:
The US Chamber of Connection just released the Social Connection Index, a “practical, data-backed blueprint for rebuilding social bonds, trust, and belonging across communities.”
Take a closer look at the full report:
The Six Points of Connection Report — Chamber of Connection
www.chamberofconnection.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Why are we disconnected, and how could we reconnect?
The US Chamber of Connection just released the Social Connection Index, a “practical, data-backed blueprint for rebuilding social bonds, trust, and belonging across communities.”
Take a closer look at the full report:
The US Chamber of Connection just released the Social Connection Index, a “practical, data-backed blueprint for rebuilding social bonds, trust, and belonging across communities.”
Take a closer look at the full report:
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Last year, we shared a lot of innovative research findings showing that having meaningful connection and conversation on social media isn’t a lofty dream — it’s possible!
Here are some of our favorite studies from 2025.
🔬🦠💬
Here are some of our favorite studies from 2025.
🔬🦠💬
January 13, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Last year, we shared a lot of innovative research findings showing that having meaningful connection and conversation on social media isn’t a lofty dream — it’s possible!
Here are some of our favorite studies from 2025.
🔬🦠💬
Here are some of our favorite studies from 2025.
🔬🦠💬
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Our friends at the @prosocialdesign.bsky.social recently updated the effectiveness of apps for regulating your time spent on social media, like @hankgreen.bsky.social’s Focus Friend, from “tentative” to “convincing” based on new research from Denmark.
www.prosocialdesign.org/library/digi...
www.prosocialdesign.org/library/digi...
January 12, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Our friends at the @prosocialdesign.bsky.social recently updated the effectiveness of apps for regulating your time spent on social media, like @hankgreen.bsky.social’s Focus Friend, from “tentative” to “convincing” based on new research from Denmark.
www.prosocialdesign.org/library/digi...
www.prosocialdesign.org/library/digi...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Hi Bluesky! We're Modal Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to making open social tech viable at scale. We grew out of the @freeourfeeds.com campaign and support @eurosky.social. Our work will connect experts, strategists, builders and communities to create a human-centered internet.
January 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Hi Bluesky! We're Modal Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to making open social tech viable at scale. We grew out of the @freeourfeeds.com campaign and support @eurosky.social. Our work will connect experts, strategists, builders and communities to create a human-centered internet.
Reposted by Eli Pariser
In the 2010s, too many newsrooms shuttered their comments sections.
But now there’s a mini renaissance happening, according to @benwhitelaw.bsky.social.
He ran the comment section for the Times of London, and learned firsthand about its value (in building community, and revenue!)
But now there’s a mini renaissance happening, according to @benwhitelaw.bsky.social.
He ran the comment section for the Times of London, and learned firsthand about its value (in building community, and revenue!)
💬🗞️ Why newsrooms are taking comments seriously again
Three lessons from running comments at The Times of London
newpublic.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM
In the 2010s, too many newsrooms shuttered their comments sections.
But now there’s a mini renaissance happening, according to @benwhitelaw.bsky.social.
He ran the comment section for the Times of London, and learned firsthand about its value (in building community, and revenue!)
But now there’s a mini renaissance happening, according to @benwhitelaw.bsky.social.
He ran the comment section for the Times of London, and learned firsthand about its value (in building community, and revenue!)
Reposted by Eli Pariser
How did Belfast, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo double down on social infrastructure? By creating a network of …
👐 Havens
🌉 Hubs and
🛹 Hangouts
What would that look like online?
www.gehlpeople.com/projects/soc...
👐 Havens
🌉 Hubs and
🛹 Hangouts
What would that look like online?
www.gehlpeople.com/projects/soc...
January 9, 2026 at 4:37 PM
How did Belfast, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo double down on social infrastructure? By creating a network of …
👐 Havens
🌉 Hubs and
🛹 Hangouts
What would that look like online?
www.gehlpeople.com/projects/soc...
👐 Havens
🌉 Hubs and
🛹 Hangouts
What would that look like online?
www.gehlpeople.com/projects/soc...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
To reach a healthy social media ecosystem that serves the public, not billionaires, we’re gonna need a lot of new ideas and tools.
Our friends at @metagov.bsky.social have been funding new governance systems that allow for community agency and value community stewards. More is needed!
Our friends at @metagov.bsky.social have been funding new governance systems that allow for community agency and value community stewards. More is needed!
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
To reach a healthy social media ecosystem that serves the public, not billionaires, we’re gonna need a lot of new ideas and tools.
Our friends at @metagov.bsky.social have been funding new governance systems that allow for community agency and value community stewards. More is needed!
Our friends at @metagov.bsky.social have been funding new governance systems that allow for community agency and value community stewards. More is needed!
Reposted by Eli Pariser
While AI chatbots are helpful, writes Daniel Barcay for Center for Humane Technology, the more they know about us, the greater target we become for manipulation.
“And when advertising enters this equation, it seems more likely than not that the con artist will overtake the therapist.”
“And when advertising enters this equation, it seems more likely than not that the con artist will overtake the therapist.”
Advertising is Coming to AI. It’s Going to Be a Disaster.
This piece was published in Tech Policy Press on Nov 27, 2025, and has been republished with permission.
centerforhumanetechnology.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:20 PM
While AI chatbots are helpful, writes Daniel Barcay for Center for Humane Technology, the more they know about us, the greater target we become for manipulation.
“And when advertising enters this equation, it seems more likely than not that the con artist will overtake the therapist.”
“And when advertising enters this equation, it seems more likely than not that the con artist will overtake the therapist.”
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Technologist/podcaster @rabble.nz calls Roundabout, our new local community app in closed beta, “the Good Place version of Nextdoor.”
In an interview with Bluesky’s @jay.bsky.team, they talk about how New_ Public is moving from research & critique ➡️ building flourishing digital public spaces.
In an interview with Bluesky’s @jay.bsky.team, they talk about how New_ Public is moving from research & critique ➡️ building flourishing digital public spaces.
January 7, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Technologist/podcaster @rabble.nz calls Roundabout, our new local community app in closed beta, “the Good Place version of Nextdoor.”
In an interview with Bluesky’s @jay.bsky.team, they talk about how New_ Public is moving from research & critique ➡️ building flourishing digital public spaces.
In an interview with Bluesky’s @jay.bsky.team, they talk about how New_ Public is moving from research & critique ➡️ building flourishing digital public spaces.
Reposted by Eli Pariser
So much great thinking in @niemanlab.org’s 2026 predictions, especially about the role journalism orgs and practitioners play in local media ecosystems around the country.
Here’s a playlist of great pieces:
Here’s a playlist of great pieces:
January 6, 2026 at 4:41 PM
So much great thinking in @niemanlab.org’s 2026 predictions, especially about the role journalism orgs and practitioners play in local media ecosystems around the country.
Here’s a playlist of great pieces:
Here’s a playlist of great pieces:
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Reminder: we’re still collecting responses to our annual survey for folks who read our newsletter or follow us on social media.
What feels worth paying attention to? What do you want to know more about? Where should we be directing our focus?
Hint: Don’t comment here, answer the survey :)
What feels worth paying attention to? What do you want to know more about? Where should we be directing our focus?
Hint: Don’t comment here, answer the survey :)
The New_ Public Survey 2025
Tell us about what's important to you: we'd love your opinion on both social media and New_ Public.
newpublic.typeform.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Reminder: we’re still collecting responses to our annual survey for folks who read our newsletter or follow us on social media.
What feels worth paying attention to? What do you want to know more about? Where should we be directing our focus?
Hint: Don’t comment here, answer the survey :)
What feels worth paying attention to? What do you want to know more about? Where should we be directing our focus?
Hint: Don’t comment here, answer the survey :)
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Is this an inflection point for algorithmic choice on social media?
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
What would you tell your algorithm (if it listened)?
With experiments underway and regulatory mandates emerging, users may get more say in their feeds.
techandsocialcohesion.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Is this an inflection point for algorithmic choice on social media?
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Threads, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky are all experimenting with features that allow users to fine tune their feeds, based on interests.
Experts and users are demanding “good defaults, visible controls, and meaningful choices”
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Let’s talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of social media: ad incentives.
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
December 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Let’s talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of social media: ad incentives.
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Nothing on social media is by accident. Everything from the “someone liked your post” notification to the algorithms pushing polarizing posts is there to juice engagement, growth, and profit.
Here’s how it works:
Reposted by Eli Pariser
With Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re reimagining a lot of familiar surfaces and features of “social media.”
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
December 16, 2025 at 2:49 PM
With Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re reimagining a lot of familiar surfaces and features of “social media.”
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Here’s how Roundabout is different:
Let’s dive in! 🧵
Reposted by Eli Pariser
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes about the underlying incentives that have warped social media towards the twin evils of extraction and surveillance.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
👊💰 We need a revolution in social media business models
Deepti Doshi on the business incentives underlying social media
newpublic.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social writes about the underlying incentives that have warped social media towards the twin evils of extraction and surveillance.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
To have any hope of building a more prosocial and public-spirited internet, we need new business models.
Reposted by Eli Pariser
New_ Public advisor Catherine Tait how public media can double down on its advantage with local reporting and build closer to digital-first audiences.
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
Panel: The Existential Crisis Facing Public Interest Media | Attention: Govern Or Be Governed
YouTube video by Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
New_ Public advisor Catherine Tait how public media can double down on its advantage with local reporting and build closer to digital-first audiences.
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
“I think there's an enormous opportunity right now to be the morels that grow from the roots of the scorched earth."
youtu.be/zbnzbSXxcS8?...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Imagine if librarians could only issue fines. That’s what many online platforms have reduced the job of “moderator” to: punishment.
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
December 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Imagine if librarians could only issue fines. That’s what many online platforms have reduced the job of “moderator” to: punishment.
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
We think community stewards (as we like to call them) are capable of a ton if they’re supported and empowered — curating info, forging connections, and much more!
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Can’t stop thinking about this quote:
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
👋 Introducing Roundabout: built for neighbors, with neighbors
New_ Public’s app for local communities enters closed beta in five pilot communities
newpublic.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Can’t stop thinking about this quote:
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
“At first it was amazing to be able to find people like you anywhere in the world. Then we got so wrapped up in the internet that we lost touch with our neighbors. Now, it’s time to build technology that connects us where our feet are.”
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Social media feeds amplify stuff that’s “engaging” (i.e. controversial, polarizing).
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
December 5, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Social media feeds amplify stuff that’s “engaging” (i.e. controversial, polarizing).
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
On Roundabout, our new local community app, we’re experimenting with Highlights, a feature where trusted stewards curate relevant posts for the community.
Let’s see if they’re better recommenders than algorithms!
Reposted by Eli Pariser
@slaby.bsky.social interviews New_ Public Co-Director @eli.bsky.social in his new interview newsletter series, The Exchange.
Eli and Michael go deep on Roundabout, local media, the new pope, and much more!
Worth subscribing!
insightsbymurmuration.substack.com/p/building-d...
Eli and Michael go deep on Roundabout, local media, the new pope, and much more!
Worth subscribing!
insightsbymurmuration.substack.com/p/building-d...
December 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM
@slaby.bsky.social interviews New_ Public Co-Director @eli.bsky.social in his new interview newsletter series, The Exchange.
Eli and Michael go deep on Roundabout, local media, the new pope, and much more!
Worth subscribing!
insightsbymurmuration.substack.com/p/building-d...
Eli and Michael go deep on Roundabout, local media, the new pope, and much more!
Worth subscribing!
insightsbymurmuration.substack.com/p/building-d...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
We’re building Roundabout, an app and website for neighbors to connect.
As we build, we’re grounded in research about what people actually want, and we’re working hard to deliver that.
But what DO people actually want?
newpublic.substack.com/p/introducin...
As we build, we’re grounded in research about what people actually want, and we’re working hard to deliver that.
But what DO people actually want?
newpublic.substack.com/p/introducin...
👋 Introducing Roundabout: built for neighbors, with neighbors
New_ Public’s app for local communities enters closed beta in five pilot communities
newpublic.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
We’re building Roundabout, an app and website for neighbors to connect.
As we build, we’re grounded in research about what people actually want, and we’re working hard to deliver that.
But what DO people actually want?
newpublic.substack.com/p/introducin...
As we build, we’re grounded in research about what people actually want, and we’re working hard to deliver that.
But what DO people actually want?
newpublic.substack.com/p/introducin...
Reposted by Eli Pariser
Anthropologist @eselster.bsky.social argues parents have tried so hard to insulate their kids from offline harms, that they're forced to seek unstructured independence in online spaces.
But Big Tech often puts profits over child safety, leaving kids without safe places to play online or off.
But Big Tech often puts profits over child safety, leaving kids without safe places to play online or off.
Where Do the Children Play?
On the need for a world without us
unpublishablepapers.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Anthropologist @eselster.bsky.social argues parents have tried so hard to insulate their kids from offline harms, that they're forced to seek unstructured independence in online spaces.
But Big Tech often puts profits over child safety, leaving kids without safe places to play online or off.
But Big Tech often puts profits over child safety, leaving kids without safe places to play online or off.
Reposted by Eli Pariser
In communities across the country, we’re hearing from everyday people that they are hungry for a new way to connect with neighbors online.
Our team at New_ Public, a nonprofit focused on building digital public spaces, is creating Roundabout, a new social app and website, now in closed beta.
🧵
Our team at New_ Public, a nonprofit focused on building digital public spaces, is creating Roundabout, a new social app and website, now in closed beta.
🧵
👋 Introducing Roundabout: built for neighbors, with neighbors
New_ Public’s app for local communities enters closed beta in five pilot communities
newpublic.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
In communities across the country, we’re hearing from everyday people that they are hungry for a new way to connect with neighbors online.
Our team at New_ Public, a nonprofit focused on building digital public spaces, is creating Roundabout, a new social app and website, now in closed beta.
🧵
Our team at New_ Public, a nonprofit focused on building digital public spaces, is creating Roundabout, a new social app and website, now in closed beta.
🧵