SURVEY: INTERNET SHIFTING TO SMALLER COMMUNITIES

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

Verge/Vox Media research reveals major internet fragmentation trend, with users abandoning large platforms for smaller, trust-based communities.

INDUSTRY TALK

BY THE NUMBERS

Survey of 2,000+ US adults shows:

• 42% find search engines becoming less useful

• 60% view social media negatively

• 90% consume content but don't create

• 50% prefer communities without AI content

• 1% of users create 80% of online content

KEY SHIFT

• Trust erosion in legacy platforms

• Growth of niche, purpose-driven communities

• Content as community cornerstone

• Human connection preferred over algorithms

• AI integration creating user discomfort

PLATFORM EVOLUTION

• Movement toward fediverse models

• Desire for authentic engagement

• Rejection of algorithmic experiences

• Shift from social media megaplatforms

• Return to more intimate digital spaces

THE BOTTOM LINE

As major platforms lose consumer trust, the internet appears to be entering a new era of fragmentation, with users gravitating toward smaller, more authentic community experiences.