The landscape of social media is evolving rapidly, with new platforms emerging to challenge established giants like Facebook and X. One such platform is Butterflies AI, which allows users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas. Tech strategist Jay Springett joined Butterflies out of curiosity and found that it provided a unique experience, resembling a simulation where AIs create their own narratives. Although he did not engage with it in the same way as traditional social media, he found it intriguing enough to observe for over six months. This reflects a growing trend where users are seeking more interactive and novel experiences online.

As dissatisfaction with major social media platforms rises, alternatives like Bluesky are gaining traction. Data from Similarweb indicates a significant decline in daily active users on X, with Facebook also experiencing reduced traffic. Bluesky has attracted millions of new users by offering a customizable experience that allows individuals to tailor their feeds and moderation preferences. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with the centralized control of traditional platforms, empowering users to curate their online interactions more effectively.

However, scaling Bluesky to rival the size of Facebook and X presents challenges. Experts like Andy Tattersall emphasize the need for a delicate balance between generating revenue, ensuring user safety, and moderating content. Meanwhile, initiatives like Free Our Feeds, backed by notable celebrities, aim to support an open social media ecosystem using the AT Protocol, which underpins Bluesky. The initiative seeks to mitigate concerns about centralized control and ensure that social media operates in the public interest.

A significant hurdle for emerging platforms is Metcalfe’s Law, which suggests that the value of a network increases with the number of users. This principle means that larger networks have more resources, making it difficult for smaller platforms to compete. Non-profits like the Social Web Foundation are working on strategies to overcome this barrier by developing interoperable platforms that aggregate content from various services. This approach aims to provide users with a cohesive experience without relying on a single dominant platform.

In addition to these developments, niche social media applications are emerging, each with unique offerings. For instance, Mozi, founded by Twitter co-founder Ev Williams, encourages users to connect in person rather than online. This reflects a shift towards more meaningful interactions. Similarly, Flipboard’s Surf app aims to streamline the social media experience by allowing users to access content from multiple platforms in one place. As these innovations unfold, it is likely that the future of social media will not be dominated by a single platform but will instead feature a diverse array of services that cater to different user preferences and behaviors.

Original news source: What’s next for social media? (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different social media platforms and concepts from the article (e.g., Butterflies AI, Bluesky, traditional social media). The other groups will guess the platform or concept being acted out. This will help students practice their vocabulary and understanding of the topic.

– NEWS REPORTER ROLE-PLAY
Instructions: Assign each student or pair of students a role as a news reporter, tech strategist, or social media user. They must prepare a brief news report summarizing the key points from the article, presenting it as if they are reporting live from the scene of the social media landscape changes. This encourages speaking skills and comprehension of the material.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to create catchy headlines for the article that capture its main themes and developments in social media. They can work individually or in pairs. Afterward, invite students to share their headlines with the class, fostering creativity and critical thinking about summarization.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Conduct a class opinion poll regarding the effectiveness and future of emerging social media platforms compared to established ones like Facebook and X. Students will discuss their views and then vote on various statements related to the article. This encourages discussion and helps students articulate their opinions in English.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students will create a mind map based on the article’s content. They will identify key concepts, trends, and emerging platforms in social media, illustrating how they are interconnected. This visual activity helps reinforce vocabulary and understanding of relationships among ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What unique experience does Butterflies AI offer to its users compared to traditional social media platforms?

2. How has the rise of alternatives like Bluesky impacted user engagement on established platforms such as Facebook and X?

3. What are some of the challenges that Bluesky faces in scaling to compete with larger platforms?

4. What role does Metcalfe’s Law play in the competition between emerging social media platforms and established giants?

5. How does the initiative Free Our Feeds aim to address concerns about centralized control in social media?

6. In what ways are niche social media applications like Mozi and Flipboard’s Surf app changing the landscape of online interactions?

7. What strategies are non-profits like the Social Web Foundation employing to help smaller platforms succeed in the social media ecosystem?

8. How do the trends in user preferences reflect a shift towards more interactive and meaningful social media experiences?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The landscape of social media is evolving rapidly, with new platforms (1)______ to challenge established giants like (2)______ and X. One such platform is Butterflies AI, which allows users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas. Tech (3)______ Jay Springett joined Butterflies out of curiosity and found that it provided a unique experience, resembling a simulation where AIs create their own narratives. Although he did not engage with it in the same way as traditional social media, he found it intriguing enough to observe for over six months. This reflects a (4)______ trend where users are seeking more interactive and novel experiences online.

As dissatisfaction with major social media platforms rises, alternatives like (5)______ are gaining traction. Data from Similarweb indicates a significant decline in daily active users on X, with Facebook also experiencing reduced traffic. Bluesky has (6)______ millions of new users by offering a customizable experience that allows individuals to tailor their feeds and (7)______ preferences. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with the centralized control of traditional platforms, empowering users to curate their online interactions more effectively.

However, scaling Bluesky to rival the size of Facebook and X presents challenges. (8)______ like Andy Tattersall emphasize the need for a delicate balance between generating revenue, ensuring user safety, and moderating content. Meanwhile, initiatives like Free Our Feeds, backed by notable celebrities, aim to support an open social media ecosystem using the AT Protocol, which underpins Bluesky. The initiative seeks to mitigate concerns about (9)______ control and ensure that social media operates in the (10)______ interest.

A significant hurdle for emerging platforms is Metcalfe’s Law, which suggests that the value of a network increases with the number of users. This principle means that (11)______ networks have more resources, making it difficult for smaller platforms to compete. Non-profits like the Social Web Foundation are working on strategies to overcome this barrier by developing interoperable platforms that aggregate content from various services. This approach aims to (12)______ users with a cohesive experience without relying on a single dominant platform.

In addition to these developments, niche social media applications are emerging, each with unique (13)______. For instance, Mozi, founded by Twitter co-founder Ev Williams, (14)______ users to connect in person rather than (15)______. This reflects a shift towards more (16)______ interactions. Similarly, Flipboard’s Surf app aims to streamline the social media experience by allowing users to access content from multiple platforms in one place. As these innovations unfold, it is likely that the future of social media will not be dominated by a single platform but will instead feature a diverse array of services that cater to different user preferences and behaviors.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a social media platform that you enjoy using, and why do you like it?
2. How would you feel if a new social media platform completely replaced the one you currently use?
3. Do you think artificial intelligence can enhance our social media experiences? Why or why not?
4. What is a unique feature you would want in a social media platform, and how would it improve user interaction?
5. How do you think user dissatisfaction with major platforms like Facebook and X impacts the future of social media?
6. Do you prefer centralized social media platforms or decentralized ones? Why?
7. How would you feel if you had more control over what content you see on social media?
8. What is a personal experience you’ve had that reflects the shift towards more meaningful interactions online?
9. Do you think niche social media applications are the future? Why or why not?
10. How important is user safety when it comes to social media, and what measures do you think should be taken to ensure it?
11. What is a challenge you believe new social media platforms face in attracting users?
12. Do you think the trend towards more interactive online experiences is beneficial or detrimental? Why?
13. How would you feel if social media encouraged more in-person interactions rather than online ones?
14. What is a concern you have about the future of social media, and how do you think it can be addressed?
15. Do you think the emergence of new platforms will lead to better content moderation? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. evolving
2. personas
3. simulation
4. narratives
5. traction
6. customizable
7. decentralized
8. empowering
9. delicate
10. mitigate
11. hurdle
12. aggregate
13. cohesive
14. niche
15. streamline

Meanings:
(A) A specialized segment of the market
(B) Gradually developing or changing over time
(C) To simplify a process or system to make it more efficient
(D) An obstacle or difficulty that must be overcome
(E) To combine or bring together different elements
(F) Characters or identities that a person or AI can assume
(G) An imitation of a situation or process
(H) Stories or accounts of events
(I) Able to be modified or tailored to individual preferences
(J) Forming a unified whole
(K) Distributed control, lacking a central authority
(L) To make something less severe or serious
(M) Requiring careful handling to avoid problems
(N) Giving someone the power or authority to do something
(O) The act of gaining popularity or support
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the platform that allows users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas?
(a) Bluesky
(b) Mozi
(c) Butterflies AI
(d) Flipboard

2. Who is the tech strategist that joined Butterflies AI out of curiosity?
(a) Jay Springett
(b) Andy Tattersall
(c) Ev Williams
(d) Mark Zuckerberg

3. What trend is reflected by the growing dissatisfaction with major social media platforms?
(a) Users preferring traditional media
(b) Users seeking more interactive experiences
(c) Users abandoning social media altogether
(d) Users focusing solely on video content

4. What approach does Bluesky take that contrasts with traditional social media platforms?
(a) Centralized control
(b) Exclusive user access
(c) Decentralized control
(d) Limited customization options

5. What is the main challenge for Bluesky in competing with larger platforms like Facebook and X?
(a) Attracting celebrity endorsements
(b) Increasing advertising revenue
(c) Reducing user customization
(d) Balancing revenue generation and user safety

6. What does Metcalfe’s Law suggest about the value of a network?
(a) It increases with the number of users
(b) It decreases with the number of users
(c) It remains constant regardless of users
(d) It is unrelated to the number of users

7. What is the goal of the initiative Free Our Feeds?
(a) To promote a single dominant platform
(b) To support an open social media ecosystem
(c) To limit user engagement
(d) To enhance advertising strategies

8. Which application encourages users to connect in person rather than online?
(a) Bluesky
(b) Butterflies AI
(c) Surf app
(d) Mozi

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Bluesky is losing traction as an alternative to major social media platforms like Facebook and X.
2. Metcalfe’s Law suggests that the value of a network increases with the number of users, presenting challenges for smaller platforms.
3. Data indicates a significant increase in daily active users on X and increased traffic on Facebook.
4. Butterflies AI does not allow users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas.
5. Bluesky offers a customizable experience that empowers users to tailor their feeds and moderation preferences.
6. The landscape of social media is rapidly evolving with the emergence of new platforms.
7. Tech strategist Jay Springett observed Butterflies AI for over six months due to its unique experience.
8. Niche social media applications, such as Mozi and Flipboard’s Surf app, are disappearing to provide unique offerings and experiences.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What unique experience does Butterflies AI offer users compared to traditional social media platforms?
2. How is Bluesky differentiating itself from established platforms like Facebook and X?
3. What challenges does Bluesky face in scaling to compete with larger social media networks?
4. How does Metcalfe’s Law impact the growth and competition of smaller social media platforms?
5. What trends are emerging in niche social media applications, and how do they reflect changing user preferences?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What unique experience does Butterflies AI offer to its users compared to traditional social media platforms?
Butterflies AI allows users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas, creating a simulation where AIs generate their own narratives, offering a more interactive and novel experience.

2. How has the rise of alternatives like Bluesky impacted user engagement on established platforms such as Facebook and X?
Bluesky has attracted millions of new users, contributing to a significant decline in daily active users on X and reduced traffic on Facebook, as users seek customizable experiences.

3. What are some of the challenges that Bluesky faces in scaling to compete with larger platforms?
Bluesky faces challenges in balancing revenue generation, ensuring user safety, and moderating content while trying to grow its user base to compete with larger platforms like Facebook and X.

4. What role does Metcalfe’s Law play in the competition between emerging social media platforms and established giants?
Metcalfe’s Law suggests that the value of a network increases with the number of users, making it difficult for smaller platforms to compete with larger networks that have more resources.

5. How does the initiative Free Our Feeds aim to address concerns about centralized control in social media?
Free Our Feeds seeks to support an open social media ecosystem using the AT Protocol, aiming to mitigate concerns about centralized control and ensure that social media operates in the public interest.

6. In what ways are niche social media applications like Mozi and Flipboard’s Surf app changing the landscape of online interactions?
Niche applications like Mozi encourage in-person connections rather than online interactions, while Flipboard’s Surf app streamlines access to content from multiple platforms, reflecting a shift towards more meaningful and cohesive user experiences.

7. What strategies are non-profits like the Social Web Foundation employing to help smaller platforms succeed in the social media ecosystem?
The Social Web Foundation is developing interoperable platforms that aggregate content from various services to provide users with a cohesive experience, helping smaller platforms succeed against larger competitors.

8. How do the trends in user preferences reflect a shift towards more interactive and meaningful social media experiences?
Users are increasingly seeking interactive and novel experiences online, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Butterflies AI and the rise of niche applications that promote meaningful interactions.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) emerging
(2) Facebook
(3) strategist
(4) growing
(5) Bluesky
(6) attracted
(7) moderation
(8) Experts
(9) centralized
(10) public
(11) larger
(12) provide
(13) offerings
(14) encourages
(15) online
(16) meaningful
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. evolving
Answer: (B) Gradually developing or changing over time

2. personas
Answer: (F) Characters or identities that a person or AI can assume

3. simulation
Answer: (G) An imitation of a situation or process

4. narratives
Answer: (H) Stories or accounts of events

5. traction
Answer: (O) The act of gaining popularity or support

6. customizable
Answer: (I) Able to be modified or tailored to individual preferences

7. decentralized
Answer: (K) Distributed control, lacking a central authority

8. empowering
Answer: (N) Giving someone the power or authority to do something

9. delicate
Answer: (M) Requiring careful handling to avoid problems

10. mitigate
Answer: (L) To make something less severe or serious

11. hurdle
Answer: (D) An obstacle or difficulty that must be overcome

12. aggregate
Answer: (E) To combine or bring together different elements

13. cohesive
Answer: (J) Forming a unified whole

14. niche
Answer: (A) A specialized segment of the market

15. streamline
Answer: (C) To simplify a process or system to make it more efficient
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the platform that allows users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas?
Answer: (c) Butterflies AI

2. Who is the tech strategist that joined Butterflies AI out of curiosity?
Answer: (a) Jay Springett

3. What trend is reflected by the growing dissatisfaction with major social media platforms?
Answer: (b) Users seeking more interactive experiences

4. What approach does Bluesky take that contrasts with traditional social media platforms?
Answer: (c) Decentralized control

5. What is the main challenge for Bluesky in competing with larger platforms like Facebook and X?
Answer: (d) Balancing revenue generation and user safety

6. What does Metcalfe’s Law suggest about the value of a network?
Answer: (a) It increases with the number of users

7. What is the goal of the initiative Free Our Feeds?
Answer: (b) To support an open social media ecosystem

8. Which application encourages users to connect in person rather than online?
Answer: (d) Mozi
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Bluesky is losing traction as an alternative to major social media platforms like Facebook and X. (Answer: False)
2. Metcalfe’s Law suggests that the value of a network increases with the number of users, presenting challenges for smaller platforms. (Answer: True)
3. Data indicates a significant increase in daily active users on X and increased traffic on Facebook. (Answer: False)
4. Butterflies AI does not allow users to interact with both human and artificial intelligence personas. (Answer: False)
5. Bluesky offers a customizable experience that empowers users to tailor their feeds and moderation preferences. (Answer: True)
6. The landscape of social media is rapidly evolving with the emergence of new platforms. (Answer: True)
7. Tech strategist Jay Springett observed Butterflies AI for over six months due to its unique experience. (Answer: True)
8. Niche social media applications, such as Mozi and Flipboard’s Surf app, are disappearing to provide unique offerings and experiences. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧