Meet the app showing Social Media doesn't have to be Toxic
Somewhere Good is an app that was created with the intention of changing how we use social media by promoting positivity and building others up instead of tearing them down. The app is all about creating a community where we build others up on social media, not tear them down. The app was created by Naj Austin, who also founded Ethel's Club a social club that celebrates and brings together people of colour through creativity, wellness and joy.
What is Somewhere Good, and how does it work?
Somewhere Good is an audio only social media platform centred around community and creative growth. Users can share audio snippets of anything from their day, to a song they're loving, or even just something they need to get off their chest. The app also has group chats and rooms where people can connect with others who share similar interests.
Every encounter takes place within 'worlds' – Users engage with the space and connecting with one another through voice notes. The app uses interest-based cues called "seeds" to keep conversations fresh. Users can share audio snippets of anything - from chatting about art, to a song they're loving, or even just something they need to get off their chest.
How Somewhere Good is caring for its users and tackling hate
Everything at Somewhere Good comes down to these core philosophies: empowering individuals, learning from one another, and having a good time together. Their community guidelines are built around respecting one another and creating a good environment for all which you can check out here.
But what if someone does post a horrible or harmful voice note? Once a voice note is reported, the entire exchange connected with the original voice note is instantly deleted from the site and the entire exchange, including replies, is grayed out until it is refreshed with a new prompt. If a user is a repeat offender and their voice notes are reported three times, they will be banned from the platform until a remediation procedure is completed.
If you want to join Somewhere Good, you may have to wait
If you were looking forward to joining the Somewhere Good community, you may have to wait a little while. The app is currently in beta, and it is invite-only for the time being to ensure that users have the best experience possible. By having people joining the app slowly, the team behind Somewhere Good can make the necessary updates and changes before more people join.
The app is currently only available in the US for iOS users, but the team is working on making it available to Android users and people outside the US. We here at Spotlite are looking forward to seeing how Somewhere Good grows and changes the social media landscape.
Good Vibes is definitely the app to watch out for! If you liked this blog post and the idea of positive social media, be sure to check out our other blog posts on social media and apps. And don't forget to check out the work we are doing here at Spotlite to create a positive social media for tweens.