Reinventing Social Media: A discussion with the architects of Republike

In a digital landscape dominated by centralized giants whose economic models are based mainly on advertising and the exploitation of personal data, and where web3 alternatives struggle to break free from financial dependency on users’ screen time and the biases that result (polarization of worlds, clickbait and uniform content, censorship, proliferation of fake news, digital addictions), a platform named Republike has emerged, offering new perspectives. This unique platform aims to radically transform our relationship with social networks. To achieve this, it completely overturns existing economic models, turning users from the status of product (by draining and reselling personal data) to co-owners, managers, and beneficiaries of the platform. We met with Etienne de Sainte-Marie and Julien Gerardot, the founders, to explore this innovative idea.

Could you give us a succinct overview of what Republike is?

ESM : Republike is above all a model for a new way of “doing social networking”, designed to free us from the attention economy and all its deleterious consequences on the digital landscape such as the polarization of ideas, the growing difficulty in exchanging between different opinions, violence and censorship, the generalization of bland content or the increase in fake news and digital addictions. Indeed, when an economic model’s primary goal is the capture of attention by all means and not the actual value it can deliver, we cannot expect much long-term user satisfaction to come out of it. In fact, it differs in no way from a form of collective hypnosis. In contrast to this approach, by placing users at the heart of the system as true owners, beneficiaries, and managers participating in the funding of the platform, Republike frees itself from the financial dependence on users’ attention and can thus completely reinvent online engagement, promoting more authentic social interactions and focusing on freedom of expression and the variety and quality of content.

JG : Beyond the vision of Republike, it is crucial to recognize that social networks that promised to unite us have often had the opposite effect… And it is intensifying, the culture that forms within the dominant platforms tends to divide and pervert, due to the toxic economic models of free versus attention. Republike is the pay-to-use social network that belongs to those who create and bring value, the users.

What was the initial spark that gave birth to Republike? Can you share the story behind the creation of this platform?

ESM : At its core, Republike was born from a desire to free users from the dominance of algorithms, creating a space where content reflects users’ true preferences rather than impulsive reactions to sponsored content or those pushed by machine learning. It was during the 2020 U.S. presidential elections, while surveying users, that we became aware of even deeper problems that were still little apparent at the time, quickly leading us to the conclusion that the very concept of social networking needed to be rethought.

JG : Technological innovation alone is not enough to solve the fundamental problems we face. Before rushing towards new technologies and imagining the metaverse or tiktok 2.0, we were driven by the conviction that we needed to start by “fixing” the social networks that divide and polarize us today. We need a fresh and virtuous space to erase the toxicity of discussion platforms and clickbait traps from feeds in favor of a platform for more profound and meaningful interactions for the collective.

Your slogan emphasizes the idea of turning users into owners. Can you elaborate on this concept? How does it manifest itself concretely on Republike?

ESM : In the social network industry, users are much more than mere consumers; they are the core and value of the platforms. They consume content, but above all, they create it. Without them, there is no network. Yet, since the dawn of global social networks some 20 years ago, instead of being valued and recompensed, they have been drained and their data monetized by the platforms without any compensation other than the so-called “free” use, which in reality has an exorbitant long-term cost for them and for society. In reality, social network users are products. To break with this dynamic, we have developed an innovative economic model, ‘Pay-to-Own’.

JG : In this model, the financial contributions of users are not mere transactions. They free the platform from financial dependence on users’ attention, which is the root of all evil, while giving users a concrete share in the project in return. Today, in the pre-launch phase, users receive AURE tokens, a digital asset we distribute regularly and which allows us to share with them the value created together. In the target model, this will go through a security token that will directly grant shares of the project at subscription. The idea is also that, just as you take care of your house because it belongs to you, by becoming co-owners of Republike, users will be motivated to enrich and take care of the platform, and directly benefit from its success, both in terms of the quality of interactions and content on the platform and the future redistribution of profits.

Your platform promises tangible rewards for user contributions. How does this model differ from that of other platforms, like X, where content creators are also compensated?

ESM: Our approach, while it may appear similar to X at first glance, is actually radically different. On X, creator compensation is tied to the volume of engagement, a direct consequence of the attention race. In contrast, our system rewards not quantity but the most objectively valuable contribution to the community. We assess this through generated engagement, filtered by universal values (respect, constructive intent) embedded in Republike’s design. Our moderation process plays a crucial role in filtering quality, focusing on emotional context and intention behind each post. This fosters healthier and more authentic interactions, creating an environment where content is evaluated more holistically. Additionally, our reward model extends beyond financial incentives, integrating aspects of community recognition and participation in platform governance, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the Republike ecosystem. It’s this combination of qualitative engagement, contextual moderation, and diverse rewards linked to the community’s general interest that sets our model apart from other platforms.

What concrete benefits does Republike offer its users beyond technical and economic aspects?

ESM: User feedback highlights several key advantages of Republike. Firstly, users appreciate the ability to express authenticity without constraints. The quality of interactions on our platform is highly valued for enabling richer and more meaningful exchanges. Users also feel liberated from the usual restrictions of censorship and self-censorship, enjoying a respectful and secure environment. These are not just my statements but unanimous feedback from platform users, expressed in very similar terms. Secondly, the prospect of earning money is attractive, but it’s the opportunity to become a co-owner of the platform and contribute to a long-term project with deep human and societal dimensions that generates particular interest. This unique opportunity, coupled with various enablers, reinforces a sense of belonging and encourages users to actively contribute to community enrichment. In summary, Republike offers a genuinely new user experience, even at this preliminary stage (official launch of v1 scheduled for February), emphasizing authenticity, quality exchanges, and active participation in network building.

JG: Republike aspires to be the network where we can truly be ourselves, with strengths and weaknesses. We envision a space where interactions are not only free and authentic but also educational and enriching, forming a united community of user-owners not just bound by content but by a shared and virtuous culture, aiming for collective elevation.

As a paid platform, how does Republike contribute to the defense of freedom of expression?

ESM: Our paid approach at Republike is fundamentally tied to our commitment to freedom of expression and authenticity, values that have largely disappeared from interactions and content. Contrary to expectations, paying to access the platform does not restrict freedom of expression but reinforces it. In attention-driven systems, the primary focus is not freedom but promoting content that elicits reactions or maximizes screen time. Quality or even, let’s push it, truth, are secondary criteria. To maximize freedom of expression while ensuring safety and a healthy experience, our unique moderation system goes beyond surface-level content judgment. It seeks to identify the intention and emotional context behind each post to determine if the content belongs or not. When content is reported, a randomly selected group of users undergoes the decision-making process. Users, unable to consult, evaluate content based on a thorough analysis of its context and intention. Those aligning with the majority in their assessment are rewarded, encouraging a reflection on personal opinions and potentially rejecting or validating content contrary to one’s views.

JG: On the internet, and specifically on social networks, there is a mix of truth and falsehood in every subject. It has become extremely time-consuming, if not impossible, to consciously stay informed. Creating a network that advocates absolute freedom of expression, similar to X, without relying on a universal social and moral pact, is, from our perspective, pointless. By paying to access a space independent of the attention economy, I promote user convergence around the desire for dialogue under favorable conditions since I am no longer there to be seen and heard at all costs, as is often the case when algorithms amplify voices.

How do Web3 principles integrate into the Republike ecosystem, and what is their impact on the overall user experience?

ESM: The integration of Web3 into Republike is a key element of our vision but only where it substantially adds differentiating value. Never just for buzz. We plan to adopt Web3 and blockchain technologies strategically and thoughtfully. Content moderation will benefit from the transparency and decentralization offered by the blockchain, enabling a fairer and more participatory approach. The engagement and reputation system, crucial in determining user profile levels, will also be influenced by Web3 technologies.

JG: We want to profoundly redefine engagement on social networks, shifting from volume-driven and individualistic logics (likes, posts, comments, views, screen time, clicks) to a reputation model that promotes collective action and allows engaged users to participate in project governance. The goal is simple: the more people on the platform, the more value we create together, and the more we redistribute that value to active users. The ‘Pay-to-Own,’ inspired by Web3, rewards value and encourages sharing. It allows the user to feel truly at home with other contributors who understand the need for a common base of respect and responsibility to create connections.

What are the future prospects for Republike? How do you plan to continue innovating in the social media domain?

ESM: For the future of Republike, our vision is clear: we want to demonstrate that it is possible to move away from the attention economy that has profoundly influenced our societies for the past 20 years. In the short or long term, not only is it necessary, but it also allows for the creation of significantly higher-quality social media with a positive impact on digital interactions and, more broadly, on society. Our long-term goal is to embed this model in user habits and contribute to its spread in other projects. If successful, this could represent a major breakthrough, transforming how social networks are used, making them healthier, more balanced, and leveraging their immense power for more constructive purposes.

JG: On the product side, we will transform social media algorithms from ‘buddies’ recommending content to ‘true friends’ lifting users up, challenging ideas, and suggesting diverse content transparently and user-configurable. This is key to retaining the richness of machine learning and moving away from the attention economy. REPUBLIKE AI will soon arrive to challenge users in post creation and on feeds, pointing out fallacious logic or dubious content without sources. If properly trained and aligned, AI offers unprecedented perspectives in terms of content monitoring and arrangement. This is the key to moving away from platforms where content quickly becomes outdated in favor of easily digestible materials for likes.

Etienne de Sainte Marie and Julien Gerardot have provided a fascinating glimpse into Republike’s vision and ambitions. This platform stands out by aiming to transform users into active co-owners of their digital space, encouraging more authentic and high-quality interactions. Departing from traditional economic models focused on the attention economy and adopting innovative technologies like Web3 and blockchain, Republike positions itself as a potential pioneer in the social media revolution. This initiative not only promises to redefine how we interact online but also to positively impact our relationship with technology and the digital world.