Episode #571: The Like Button Killed Connection: Rethinking Social Networks from First Principles

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Daniel Segundo to discuss why today's social networks have evolved into entertainment networks and how Daniel is building Bien, a social app focused on depth over breadth. Daniel shares his journey from trading commodities to creating a platform designed to keep users genuinely connected to their inner circle, inspired by insights gained while meditating in caves in India. The conversation covers everything from the problems with the "like button" and algorithmic feeds to Daniel's contrarian approach of removing public-facing engagement metrics and using voice notes as the primary interaction method. They also explore the challenges of building consumer social products, the impact of AI on development, and Daniel's philosophy drawn from Eastern mysticism and his study of Ramana Maharshi. To learn more about Bien, visit bien.social or follow Daniel on Twitter at @DanielPSegundo.

Timestamps

00:00 Daniel introduces Bien as a real social network, contrasting entertainment networks disguised as social platforms

05:00 Building with AI tools allowed bootstrapping the app before hiring a five-person team for professional development

10:00 Social networks evolved into entertainment networks optimized for engagement and advertising rather than genuine connection

15:00 The advertising model incentivizes dopamine delivery and algorithmic content over posts from actual friends

20:00 Removing the like button and public comments forces deeper interaction through private voice notes instead

25:00 Social graphs become stale over time because unfriending feels awkward, so people curate for weakest relationships

30:00 Matrix and Nostr protocols enable interoperable messaging, suggesting a Cambrian explosion of new social apps

35:00 Depth matters more than metrics—success means users actually feel closer to their inner circle

40:00 Voice notes combined with photo sharing mimics natural storytelling behavior when friends gather in person

45:00 Meditation in Ramana Maharshi's caves in India inspired reflections on silence, self-inquiry, and building products mindfully