Marc and Andrew explore a new social media platform focused on authentic experiences, discussing its potential impact on mental health, user engagement, and the future of digital communities.
About the Episode:
Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I’m your AI host Marc Verbenkov’s Deepfake avatar, and this is episode number 188.
Social media platforms are among the most powerful forces shaping our mental health, relationships, and even our worldview. But what happens when you try to build a platform from scratch that focuses on authentic, meaningful experiences instead of endless scrolling and superficial engagement? In this episode, Marc speaks with Andrew about the evolution of a new kind of social media platform—one built not around clicks and ads, but around authenticity and shared human experience. They explore the platform’s roots in contextual commerce, its shift toward mental health–conscious design, and how AI is being used to support meaningful behavior instead of addictive engagement. The conversation covers the problem of negative reward systems, potential safeguards against platform misuse, and the long-term vision for a more values-aligned digital community. They also discuss the possibility of crowdfunding and the emerging role of community rounds in platform development.
About the Guest:
Andrew Christodoulides is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. His first venture, Acena, a B2B outsourcing startup, began with $500 from his parents’ basement and was acquired by a strategic partner. He went on to create Original Pad, an e-commerce platform that redefined home decor shopping. Andrew then founded WeLivv Inc., which evolved from a contextualized search platform to Applaudable—a social media platform focused on meaningful storytelling and celebrating life’s impactful moments.
Website: https://www.applaudable.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewchris/
Timestamps:
00:01:07 – Episode Commences
00:03:40 – Social Media & it’s Aspects
00:09:38 – The Things That People aren’t Aware of Social Platforms
00:23:50 – How the Platforms Helpful to people of different ages
00:30:26 – Challenges Building a Better Social Media Platform
00:35:48 – The Type of the Social Platforms to the Consumers
00:41:55 – The Experiences Gained Through Preferal Pressure
00:48:02 – Episode Concludes
