Social media platforms are often criticized for compromising user data and fostering negative social impacts, Ethical Social emerges as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2024 by Rhys Macfarlane, Ethical Social is dedicated to transforming how social media functions, pledging to use its platform for the greater good while eschewing the pitfalls that have plagued its predecessors.
Ethical Social’s mission is clear: to create a social media environment that enhances users’ lives without overwhelming or exploiting them. Unlike mainstream platforms that use ads to monetize user attention, Ethical Social operates ad-free, eliminating algorithms designed to maximize user engagement at the cost of user wellbeing. This not only prevents unnecessary data mining but also ensures that users’ time online is dictated by their preferences, not by underlying profit-driven motives. The platform stands out by promising to donate 50% of its profits to charities chosen by its community, making each user’s participation directly beneficial to societal causes.
Company Overview
- Name: Ethical Social
- Year Founded: 2024
- Type of Company: Social Media
- HQ Location: Remote
- Startup Founders: Rhys Macfarlane – Founder
- Startup One-liner: “Social media that doesn’t suck.
Progress and Current Status Having recently launched, Ethical Social is in its nascent stage but with robust foundations. The platform seeks to cultivate a space where users can share content and ideas freely, determining their engagement level without external pressures.
Inspiring Story The inception of Ethical Social stems from Rhys Macfarlane’s extensive background in tech and subsequent disillusionment with the ethical breaches he witnessed. His pivotal realization that users were already paying a hefty price – their personal data – inspired the alternative model of a minimal subscription fee. Funded entirely from his own resources, Macfarlane’s venture is not just a business but a personal crusade against the divisive and exploitative tactics he once helped propagate.
Company Role Model Ethical Social looks up to Virgin for its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and its prowess in disrupting markets with poor service. Similarly, Ethical Social aims to challenge the status quo within the social media industry by prioritizing user welfare and community benefit over profit.
Future Outlook In four years, Ethical Social envisions itself as a vibrant community hub that doesn’t just exist but significantly contributes to a shift in how social media impacts society. With ongoing donations and a user-empowered operational model, Ethical Social aims to redefine the landscape of social interaction online, making it a source of positive impact and community building.
Ethical Social represents a shift in digital interaction, emphasizing user agency and community welfare. As it grows, its challenge will be to maintain its ethical standards while scaling up, proving that social media can indeed be a force for good.
