In a digital age dominated by notifications, endless scrolling, and algorithmic feeds, two tech visionaries are daring to ask a provocative question: Can a social app fix the pitfalls of social media? Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, and Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest, have joined forces to introduce an innovative social media app that promises to transform our online interactions.
Their mission is ambitious but timely as we grapple with what Stone calls the “terrible devastation” caused by current social media dynamics. This new venture arrives at a crucial moment when debates about mental health, privacy concerns, and disinformation have reached a fever pitch.
What We Know About the Launch
On January 4th, 2026, Stone and Sharp announced their latest endeavor—a yet-to-be-named social media app designed to help users “plan with intention.” The duo successfully secured new funding to bring this concept to life, though they’re keeping specific details close to the vest for now.
The platform aims to address the overwhelming noise prevalent on conventional social networks by offering a space where users can engage meaningfully without distractions. This marks a significant departure from existing platforms that thrive on capturing attention through addictive features and algorithms designed to keep users hooked.
Early indications suggest an experience centered around purpose-driven interactions rather than passive consumption—think less mindless scrolling, more meaningful connection.
Why This Actually Matters
The implications extend far beyond just another app entering the crowded social media market. Users are increasingly disillusioned with major platforms like Facebook and Instagram due to issues ranging from data privacy breaches to toxic content environments. There’s mounting pressure for alternatives that prioritize user-centric values over engagement metrics.
For everyday users, this shift could mean enhanced control over personal data, reduced exposure to harmful content, and interactions that foster genuine connections rather than superficial engagements. Imagine a social platform that doesn’t measure success by how long it keeps you scrolling—but by how meaningfully it helps you connect.
The Business and Tech Perspective
From a business standpoint, Stone and Sharp are challenging the status quo in a big way. The move signals potential disruption within the tech industry as it questions the advertising-driven business models that dominate social media today. These models rely heavily on maximizing user screen time, often at the expense of user well-being.
The technical underpinnings likely leverage advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning—but with an ethical twist. Rather than maximizing engagement at any cost, these technologies could tailor experiences that align with intentional usage patterns while respecting user preferences.
Industry trends show rising interest in decentralized networks and platforms emphasizing user agency over centralized control. Stone and Sharp’s venture appears positioned to ride this wave, focusing on planning with intention rather than impulsive actions driven by manipulative algorithms.
What Success Could Look Like
If executed well, this platform could set new standards for what socially responsible technology looks like. Businesses might find opportunities to reach audiences more effectively through authentic communication strategies rather than relying solely on ad-driven approaches that interrupt user experiences.
The collaboration between these two influential figures—one who shaped Twitter’s microblogging revolution, the other who pioneered visual discovery through Pinterest—brings together complementary expertise. The question is whether their combined vision can translate into tangible outcomes capable of reshaping our digital landscape.
The Road Ahead
While specific functionalities and launch timelines remain under wraps, industry experts suggest watching for key developments during the initial rollout phase. Partnerships formed early could indicate broader acceptance across stakeholders invested in fostering healthier online communities.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant. Post-pandemic reliance on virtual connectivity has only intensified scrutiny of how social platforms operate. Users want better options, and investors are increasingly interested in sustainable, ethical tech ventures.
Stone and Sharp aren’t just building another app—they’re attempting to prove that social media can serve users without exploiting them. That’s a tall order in an industry where the primary business model has long been attention extraction.
The Bottom Line
Whether Stone and Sharp’s venture succeeds remains to be seen, but the attempt itself is significant. It represents a growing recognition within the tech industry that the current social media paradigm isn’t sustainable—not for users, not for society, and increasingly, not even for the platforms themselves.
As we move through 2026, this new app will test whether there’s genuine appetite for a different kind of social media experience. One focused on intentionality over addiction, connection over consumption, and user well-being over engagement metrics.
The tech world will be watching closely. If they pull it off, Stone and Sharp might just chart a new course for social media’s future—one that prioritizes humans over algorithms.