A New Social Media Experiment: seven39
Introduction to seven39
For the past few weeks, every day at 7:38 PM ET, an email arrives, signaling the opening of an experimental new social media site, seven39. This site is only accessible for three hours, from 7:39 PM to 10:39 PM ET. If you try to visit the site outside of this window, you’ll be greeted by a "currently closed" sign. The site’s mission is simple: "Social media is better when we’re all online together. No endless scrolling. No FOMO. Just 3 hours of fun every evening."
How seven39 Works
seven39 has a basic, Twitter-like interface with a single chronological feed, a 200-character limit for posts, and the ability to upload images. Users can follow each other, see top-performing posts, and engage in discussions. What sets seven39 apart is its finite nature – there’s no endless scrolling, and the site is only available for a limited time each day. This design is intentional, aiming to recreate the social media experience of the past, before smartphones dominated our lives.
The Content and Community
The types of posts on seven39 are familiar: introductions, memes, pet photos, and more. Users often post anonymously, but some choose to use their real names. Discussions can range from casual chats to more in-depth conversations. The community seems to appreciate the site’s old-school feel, with many users expressing a desire for a more genuine, connected online experience.
The Creator’s Vision
Mark Lyons, the creator of seven39, wants to explore alternative ways of being social online. He draws inspiration from the early days of the internet, when people would log on at the same time to play games or chat with friends. Lyons believes that this format can help people connect more meaningfully, without the pressure of constant online presence.
Challenges and Limitations
While seven39 has a dedicated community, it faces challenges in terms of growth and retention. With only 3,000 users, some nights can be quiet, and it’s easy to forget to log in. The site’s small size and limited features can make it difficult to attract new users. Additionally, content moderation and the lack of polish in the site’s design are concerns that need to be addressed.
The Future of seven39
Lyons is aware of these challenges and views seven39 as an experiment. He’s open to the possibility that the site may not grow into a large platform, but rather remain a small, niche community. His goal is to create a space where people can interact in a more mindful, less addictive way. Whether seven39 succeeds or not, it’s an interesting attempt to rethink the way we approach social media.
Conclusion
seven39 is an experimental social media site that offers a unique, finite experience. By limiting its availability to a three-hour window each day, it encourages users to connect in a more intentional way. While it faces challenges in terms of growth and retention, the site’s community and creator are passionate about creating a more meaningful online experience. As social media continues to evolve, experiments like seven39 can help us rethink the way we interact online and what we value in our digital connections.
