Evan Henshaw-Plath Launches diVine to Counter AI-Driven Content

UPDATE: Evan Henshaw-Plath, an original Twitter employee, has just launched a new app called diVine, aiming to revive the spirit of Vine while fiercely opposing AI-generated content. This urgent move comes as internet users increasingly express frustration over algorithm-driven platforms that prioritize artificial intelligence over authentic human connection.

DiVine, supported by Jack Dorsey‘s nonprofit organization, aims to create a decentralized social media experience that restores genuine digital communities. Henshaw-Plath, who operates under the alias Rabble, is not only nostalgic for the six-second videos that once captivated millions but views this initiative as a protest against the “black box” algorithms dominating social media today.

In an exclusive interview, Rabble stated, “There’s this bullshit that we’re seeing from Meta and OpenAI where they decided that somehow we’re better off with all AI-created social media content. That’s not where social media came from. It’s about humans and our connection, not just pretty videos.” His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among users yearning for a return to authentic interactions online.

The term “enshittification,” coined by author Cory Doctorow, describes the gradual degradation of platforms that prioritize shareholder profits over user experience. Rabble asserts that diVine represents his “attempt to fight back against the enshittification, in code.”

Launched amid a wave of nostalgia for platforms like Vine, which was shut down in 2017, diVine promises to fill that void with over 100,000 restored videos from the original Vine archives. Rabble is currently sifting through 2.5 terabytes of data to ensure a rich experience for users.

The app is not looking to dethrone current giants like TikTok or Instagram Reels but instead aims to create a unique space where “real moments from real humans” shine. “This project shows the kind of internet we want,” Rabble emphasized, hinting at a vision of a more inclusive and user-driven digital landscape.

Dorsey’s involvement comes as no surprise; he previously expressed his regret over shutting down Vine. His nonprofit, And Other Stuff, has awarded diVine a generous $10 million grant to facilitate its development. The project’s low initial costs, only a few thousand dollars, have made it feasible to pursue this ambitious goal.

As users become increasingly weary of AI-generated content, diVine’s anti-AI stance resonates. The app’s website boldly declares its commitment to authenticity, an appealing factor amid the flood of synthetic media that users encounter daily.

Rabble and Dorsey envision a decentralized app that functions similarly to email, allowing users to connect across various service providers, a stark contrast to the current centralized operations of platforms like X, which restrict user interactions without a login.

“This is a project that just feels like a good idea,” Rabble stated, emphasizing that even if diVine becomes popular with just a few thousand users, it will fulfill its purpose.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, diVine represents a timely response to the ongoing debate about authenticity and community in social media. With the app now live, the online community is poised to embrace this new platform that champions human connection over algorithmic content.

Stay tuned for further updates on diVine and its impact on the social media landscape.