Remodelling the Internet — The Verge 2025 / Talks

Findings: Big Platforms Losing Trust, AI Powerful but Not Welcome

Three major findings: legacy platforms (Google, Facebook) losing ground to AI and niche communities; AI powerful but automation makes people uncomfortable; social media fuels divisions while appetite for genuine connection grows

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  1. Remodelling The Internet — The Verge 01
  2. The Internet Ain't Young 02
  3. Redefine Community in Post-Social, AI Era 03
  4. Community Becomes a Loaded Marketing Term 04
  5. Agenda: Platform Shifts, Defining Connection, Content 05
  6. Platform Shifts — Section Break 06
  7. Platforms on the Rise; Information Quality Deteriorating 07
  8. AI Chatbots and TikTok Emerge as Real Challengers to Google 08
  9. The Verge Reports on Google Search Changes and AI Integration 09
  10. Social Platforms Have Lost the Plot 10
  11. The Shift from People to Scrolling 11
  12. Fragmentation Is Leading to Inauthentic Connection 12
  13. Digital Optimizes Self; Fragmentation Equals Opportunity 13
  14. Data Supporting Deeper Connection Preferences 14
  15. Men Are Seeking More Digital Connection 15
  16. Legacy Platforms Failing; Opportunity to Remodel the Internet 16
  17. Defining Connections — Section Break 17
  18. Connection Is About Shared Purpose and Authentic Engagement 18
  19. The Third Place: Online Groups vs. In-Person Groups 19
  20. Optimal Community Size: 50 to 200 People 20
  21. Small, Interactive, Content-Driven Communities Work Best 21
  22. Communities Thrive Around Shared Interests 22
  23. Small Platforms Become Digital Homes 23
  24. The Fediverse: Interoperable Social Networks 24
  25. Give Me a Safe Space to Connect With Others 25
  26. Safety and Moderation Are Community Essentials 26
  27. Meta Is Leaving Users to Wade Through Hate and Disinformation 27
  28. Audiences Will Pay for Meaningful Ways to Connect 28
  29. Trust, Shared Interests, and Respect Drive Meaningful Connection 29
  30. Content Matters in Community — Section Break 30
  31. Major Media Brands Are Becoming Places of Community 31
  32. Content Creates Community Across Multiple Platforms 32
  33. Why Content Is Critical to Thriving Communities 33
  34. What Community Members Value 34
  35. How Content Drives Engagement in Communities 35
  36. Content Formats That Generate Intimacy 36
  37. A Rich Narrative Tapestry Leads to Connection 37
  38. The Verge Case Study: Decoder with Hank Green 38
  39. Content Is at the Heart of Connection for Digital Introverts 39
  40. Observation Counts as Active Engagement 40
  41. Brands Must Engage Authentically in Communities 41
  42. Ultimately, Brands Are Expected to Join Communities 42
  43. AI Only — Section Break 43
  44. An AI Wave Is Happening Across Digital Spaces 44
  45. AI Does Not Translate to Human Connection 45
  46. Communities Thrive With User Control and Curation 46
  47. Real Connection Thrives on Humanity, Not Algorithms 47
  48. Algorithmic Engagement Feels Hollow 48
  49. People-Only Creativity Preferred Over AI Co-Creation 49
  50. AI Should Serve as Facilitator, Not the Focal Point 50
  51. Thriving Communities Are Built on Trust 51
  52. AI Hesitation Reflects Desire for Authenticity 52
  53. Findings: Big Platforms Losing Trust, AI Powerful but Not Welcome 53
  54. Methodology: 2,000+ U.S. Adults Surveyed December 2024 54
  55. Credits and Team — The Verge 55
  56. Thank You — The Verge 56