Evan Henshaw-Plath Launches diVine to Combat AI-Generated Content

UPDATE: Evan Henshaw-Plath, a pivotal figure behind Twitter’s inception, has just launched a new app named diVine, aimed at reviving the spirit of the beloved short-form video platform, Vine. This urgent development seeks to combat the overwhelming presence of AI-generated content that has flooded social media platforms.

Henshaw-Plath, alias Rabble, is not merely resurrecting Vine for nostalgia; he is mounting a protest against the “black box” algorithms that dominate the digital landscape today. In a recent interview with Business Insider, he expressed his frustration, stating, “There’s this bullshit that we’re seeing from Meta and OpenAI… Social media was social first. It’s about humans and our connection, not just pretty videos.”

The app is backed by Jack Dorsey‘s nonprofit organization, which has received a substantial $10 million grant from the former Twitter CEO. Henshaw-Plath explained that diVine is his “attempt to fight back against the enshittification, in code,” a term coined by author Cory Doctorow to describe the degradation of platforms prioritizing profits over user experience.

The urgency surrounding this launch is palpable as users increasingly seek authentic connections in a world where AI-generated content prevails. Henshaw-Plath noted that he is currently sifting through a staggering 2.5 terabytes of archived data to restore over 100,000 original Vine videos, aiming to preserve the platform’s history.

The platform is not attempting to dethrone TikTok or similar apps but rather to create a space where genuine human interaction takes precedence. Henshaw-Plath envisions a future where users can interact freely across various service providers, similar to email, breaking down the silos created by centralized social media giants.

As users continue to express fatigue over AI-generated content from companies like OpenAI and Meta, diVine emerges as a beacon of hope, promising “real moments from real humans, not AI.” This timely initiative could redefine how users engage online and bring back the authentic essence of social media.

The launch of diVine comes at a critical moment, as social media users are yearning for a return to genuine, human-driven content. Henshaw-Plath’s belief in the project’s potential reflects a broader movement among internet users seeking alternatives to the current landscape dominated by algorithms and AI.

In a world increasingly longing for the social media glory days, diVine stands as a testament to the power of community and authentic connection. As this project unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how it shapes the future of social media in the age of AI.