New_ Public

https://mastodon.social/@wearenew_public

New_ Public is a nonprofit product studio focused on reimagining community, connection, and conversation online

Public conversation: http://www.newpublic.org/psi
Local communities: http://www.newpublic.org/local
Research: http://www.newpublic.org/research
Our newsletter: https://newpublic.substack.com/

Public Key

npub12zax50z0u8swunvvd45c0z865rsk4v4m82yafwkagg4z7acsk9xsms6gen

NIP-05 Address

wearenew_public_at_mastodon.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs9pwn28387rc8wfkxx66v83ra2pct2k2an4zw5htw5y230wugtzngprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0d4hhxarj9ecxjmntnt76ng

Publishing to

relay.momostr.pink

Author Public Key

npub12zax50z0u8swunvvd45c0z865rsk4v4m82yafwkagg4z7acsk9xsms6gen

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Last Notes

2026-05-12 15:44:42 UTC

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A few more words from our "Ai to Z" glossary -- we’d love to know what you’d add to the list 📝
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/562/372/076/203/659/original/7b130f7e782d0282.png
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/562/373/111/621/214/original/b14d362d817fe0f0.png

2026-05-12 15:43:16 UTC

As they say: “name it to tame it.”
AI is introducing all sorts of new thoughts and feelings. Rather than being overwhelmed and silent, we need new vocabulary to move the conversation forward.
The Harvard [Center for Digital Thriving] guided the New_ Public team through a workshop where we got creative, honest, and a little silly (who likes the feeling of getting kayla-krossed??) about life with AI.
This is some of what we came up with during a quick brainstorm:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/562/366/279/773/593/original/cfa021648ded4bce.png
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/562/367/361/238/933/original/d481bbce774b3f5a.png

2026-05-05 20:26:12 UTC

After building Blacksky, a safer online space for Black folks, friend of New_ Public [@rude1.blacksky.team](https://bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/rude1.blacksky.team ) and the Blacksky team are now sharing their tools with any community that wants to build on the open social web, regardless of technical background.
The new project, Acorn, helps anyone build their own social networks with social media toolkits that include starter packs for new members, customized feeds, and moderation tools.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/04/as-x-shuts-down-communities-acorn-debuts-an-alternative-that-puts-creators-in-control/

2026-03-26 15:14:52 UTC

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These awards are for developers with MVP products built on open protocols, including both AT Protocol and ActivityPub.
Let’s showcase the best alternatives to Big Tech products and platforms, and celebrate the potential of the open social sector!
Deadline is May 1
https://app.formbricks.com/s/cmn3lqvw6b5lfv101shpmepis

2026-03-26 15:14:36 UTC

📢 Announcing the Open Social Awards🏆
Alongside @npub18kk…0r8c and @npub1nfj…zvu2, we aim to honor the work of independent builders around the world, creating innovative products for the open web!
More details below…
https://newpublic.org/OSA

2026-03-23 18:28:11 UTC

Why is the Knight Foundation investing in Bluesky? It’s the potential of the tech that powers it: AT Protocol.
“If we care about the First Amendment in practice, we must also care about the architecture that shapes and facilitates speech in our own era.
That’s why we believe ATproto was worth investing in.”
https://knightfoundation.org/articles/why-did-knight-foundation-invest-in-bluesky/

2026-01-30 16:35:27 UTC

How do we build more escape hatches from closed Big Tech social media? @npub1cza…d6az is looking for ideas on how to grow the Open Social Web!
Submit a position paper for their Un-workshop by Feb. 16th, hosted by @npub1dvx…gems and @npub14j8…pjuf :
https://fediforum.org/2026-03-growing-open-social-web/
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/985/016/142/714/324/original/47232035cf1a6ad3.png

2026-01-29 16:33:55 UTC

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Wafrn is a Tumblr-like platform that started development using ActivityPub. Over time, it also has gained full support for ATProto. It is the first and only platform that fully integrates both protocols. The project has a strong vibe of casual, internet-first users.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/979/349/093/958/149/original/9b3576a2ec57e70b.png

2026-01-29 16:33:29 UTC

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is a reader client that monitors your Bluesky and Mastodon feeds to find the most popular links in your network, especially links that have been shared by multiple people you follow.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/979/347/433/024/578/original/f94fd4101bc4e53e.png

2026-01-29 16:32:58 UTC

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Flashes is an iOS client for Bluesky with an Instagram-like design. It can interact with existing photos and videos on Bluesky. An Android version is now in development.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/979/345/550/430/498/original/9c007f356258b1b9.png

2026-01-29 16:32:35 UTC

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Roomy is a group chatting platform in an alpha stage. It takes some inspiration from Discord and other group chatting platforms. Roomy places more priority on separate “threads” in the conversation.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/979/343/959/636/218/original/d5fbfbd15d1f0303.png

2026-01-29 16:32:09 UTC

AT Protocol, the infrastructure powering Bluesky, “represents one of the most concrete opportunities for Europe to create their own social networking infrastructure,” says Dutch data analyst @npub17m8…rsw8
Here are four case-studies on European projects that give us hope:

2026-01-26 15:18:08 UTC

Many Europeans want to be free of American and Chinese Big Tech apps.
Open, decentralized protocols like ActivityPub (powering Mastodon) and AT Protocol (powering Bluesky) may be the key to a new sovereign social media infrastructure.
https://newpublic.substack.com/p/the-future-of-social-media-may-be

2026-01-22 16:36:52 UTC

If you’re feeling trapped within the Big Tech apps you rely on, Canadian tech critic @npub157r…8pny shares his list of global alternatives and his progress in trying to divest.
“It’s not an easy task to reject services that have become so ubiquitous and are made to be easy to use.”
https://disconnect.blog/we-need-to-reassess-our-relationship-to-digital-tech/

2026-01-08 14:25:34 UTC

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Yep! We’re building Roundabout in a way that’s compatible with AT Proto.
Down the road, we are excited to experiment with what’s possible.

2025-12-05 18:50:52 UTC

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not exactly, but close! We don't want these feeds to be super public, so messages intended for neighbors can't reach viral escape velocity and end up ricocheting around the internet.
However, we are exploring diff options for interoperability between spaces!

2025-12-05 15:09:47 UTC

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Most online social spaces have either a single feed (Facebook, Nextdoor) or topic-based channels (Discord, Slack)
We’re testing an approach that offers the best of both: when someone creates a post, automated tools suggest relevant channels where it makes the most sense.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/667/590/080/860/464/original/abdaf9618416349c.mp4

2025-12-05 15:08:38 UTC

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!
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/667/585/105/244/896/original/ff9f23f44493d60a.png

2025-12-01 15:49:25 UTC

Introducing Roundabout: a local community web app built to help people live a flourishing life in their local town or neighborhood.
Based on rigorous research and optimized for trust. Built by a nonprofit, for the public, not for advertisers.
Find resources, connect with neighbors, celebrate your community.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/645/097/744/084/517/original/17baf0939dcbf109.png

2025-11-10 18:09:14 UTC

Building for communities, not profits! 💪
Pumped about the launch of @npub1lzd…urpr , a new microblogging platform that is fully interoperable and modular so people can pick and choose the features that work best for their community.
https://bonfirenetworks.org/
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/526/736/871/283/257/original/2d9b5f85146b4bcc.png

2025-09-26 13:12:02 UTC

Are you passionate about making the internet a better place?
Join New_ Public as our Social Media Fellow! Help us amplify our mission through engaging, strategic content and reimagine what’s possible in the future of social media.
#FediHire #getFedihired
https://newpublicorg.applytojob.com/apply/7NdtTpX328/Social-Media-Fellow

2025-09-23 13:35:23 UTC

New_ Public Co-Director Deepti Doshi goes through the research driving our work, and breaks down how to design healthy, community-centered digital spaces with Front Porch Forum’s Jason Van Driesche.
RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BLoUExLNSmqgpmnOoeBBYA#/registration
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/253/869/324/897/949/original/9bef507845513ab3.png

2025-08-29 13:20:37 UTC

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here, as in Mastodon? I don't know. That's a q for Rudy, if you want to comment on the newsletter.

2025-08-28 16:53:38 UTC

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Read more about how Rudy Fraser and his team at Blacksky have put this into practice with an open-source product that is 100% interoperable with the rest of Bluesky, and has scaled from 0 to two million users with $0 spent out of pocket.
http://newpublic.substack.com/p/how-blacksky-grew-to-millions-of

2025-08-28 16:52:55 UTC

Rudy Fraser says AT Protocol could be the Allen wrench of social media tools.
It’s the same way manufacturers and customers benefit from using the same standardized tool, or how you can keep your phone number when you switch providers.
Instead, “we live in a social media environment where every company ships a product with the equivalent of their own distinct key shape and we just accept it.”
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/107/426/440/263/876/original/99e0d63c044f3e14.png

2025-08-20 17:56:49 UTC

Do you steward or moderate a digital social space? We know it’s a role that often takes time, energy, and care, but the tools and platforms don’t always take that into account.
Now is your chance to share your experience in @npub1y2r…kvzk's 2025 Fediverse Needs Assessment and help improve the web for all.
https://about.iftas.org/2025/08/11/the-2025-fediverse-needs-assessment-is-open-have-your-say/

2025-08-06 13:43:08 UTC

These people are the glue that holds communities together. We call them stewards. 🏘️
The person at the top of the phone tree. The neighbor who attends every town hall meeting. The parent who runs all the bake sales and knows every kid's birthday.
Who do you turn to in your neighborhood?
Here’s some inspo from the New_ Public team 👇
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/982/109/400/494/889/original/0b9179ddd334e36b.png
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/982/109/405/345/059/original/8bd41bfb8a910383.png

2025-06-23 15:23:53 UTC

We’re looking for an exceptional Creative Technologist & Frontend Engineer for the Public Spaces Incubator team.
We need someone who can craft exceptional user experiences and is committed to helping reinvent digital communication for public media institutions.
Is that you?
https://newpublic.org/jobs/creative-technologist

2025-05-29 18:04:16 UTC

Friend of New_ Public @npub16sj…va89 on the complex and evolving dynamics of consent online.
“Technology should only ever do exactly what we have explicitly given it our consent to do”
https://www.anildash.com/2025/05/27/internet-of-consent/
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/592/432/991/006/433/original/67e9b0fa1a5010a0.png

2025-01-28 19:56:18 UTC

What’s the best way to resist the fickle billionaires who control the internet?
Using their platforms less and putting your own hard-won dollars towards building new billionaire-proof social media infrastructure. #FreeOurFeeds
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/17/1110063/we-need-to-protect-the-protocol-that-runs-bluesky/

2024-12-09 20:03:47 UTC

In the wake of X-odus, we're returning to "Protocols Not Platforms" by @npub14j8…pjuf
This influential piece from 2019, part of the original inspiration for Bluesky, proposes a fundamental power shift in social media: moving to new, open infrastructure like the protocols powering email and websites.
https://knightcolumbia.org/content/protocols-not-platforms-a-technological-approach-to-free-speech

2024-11-08 17:14:24 UTC

Need a break from social media? Spend more time in your local library.
More on the library's role as "community anchor and catalyst for civic engagement":
https://connectivetissue.substack.com/p/how-libraries-can-become-hubs-for

2024-10-18 20:18:35 UTC

In corners of the internet, nurtured by passionate communities, “informal networks” thrive unnoticed — friendly, constructive, and focused on real-world connections, not clicks or engagement.
https://theconversation.com/the-internet-can-be-toxic-but-there-are-also-online-oases-where-mutual-care-flourishes-237769

2024-10-18 13:55:33 UTC

New_ Public is excited by progress in the development of federated social media platforms.
RESEARCH: The Fediverse could become a powerful hub for sharing knowledge and uniting voices across platforms.
@npub1dad…y568 's “Mapping the Social Web” report suggests that using shared hashtags, emojis, and search terms across platforms could significantly boost community building and engagement without the need for recommendation algorithms.
https://www.newsmastfoundation.org/our-blog/mapping-the-social-web/

2024-10-09 16:22:30 UTC

It looks the whitehouse reddits posts in r/florida and r/georgia have been removed by mods. I guess not even the President can bypass rules created and maintained by subreddit mods!
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/278/382/804/464/093/original/1a9517b28921dab3.png

2024-09-16 14:31:57 UTC

Big news — The Trust for Civic Life is accepting nominations for the first-ever Civic Entrepreneur grant from now through Sept 25th!
Know a moderator or admin who's helping make their community more healthy, strong, useful, and fun? Nominate them for a chance to receive resources and support to further their impact.
https://trustforciviclife.org/grants/

2024-09-06 16:06:30 UTC

How do other countries tackle the spread of viral lies during elections?
Tech Policy Press compares India’s government-heavy approach with Taiwan’s community-driven strategy, highlighting the different roles that governments can play in combating mis- and disinformation.
https://www.techpolicy.press/india-and-taiwans-divergent-paths-to-combat-online-disinformation/

2024-08-27 14:01:39 UTC

10 years after Gamergate, Caitlin Dewey revisits and revises her widely-cited 2014 explainer of the moment we learned "there might be something horribly wrong with our current incarnation of the internet"
https://linksiwouldgchatyou.substack.com/p/gamergate-at-10

2024-08-13 16:51:08 UTC

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FPF is profitable! They build long-term relationships with local advertisers, and don't sell data on users. More here:
https://newpublic.substack.com/p/the-vermont-miracle-how-one-local