Dec 12, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 12, 2024, 12:00 AM

Ev Williams reveals loneliness and seeks connection after turning 50

Subjective
Highlights
  • Evan Williams realized he had underinvested in his friendships before turning 50.
  • Mozi was developed to help users share upcoming plans and foster in-person connections.
  • The app represents a shift towards valuing real-life relationships over social media engagement.
Story

In December 2024, Evan Williams, co-founder of Twitter and Medium, launched a new app named Mozi from the United States. Jake Dunn, another entrepreneur who raised significant funds for creating social connections, joined Williams in this endeavor. Williams's motivation stemmed from a personal realization before his 50th birthday, where he acknowledged a lack of investment in his friendships and felt distanced from friends post-pandemic. The app is designed with a focus on functionality rather than engagement, allowing users to coordinate and communicate plans with friends in real life, addressing the challenges of maintaining relationships in an age dominated by social media. The founders believe that while social media has its benefits, it often falls short in fostering genuine connections, leading them to create Mozi as a practical utility to enhance in-person interactions. By raising $6 million in funding through notable firms, including one co-founded by Williams, the launch of Mozi signifies a shift towards prioritizing real-life relationships over digital interactions, aiming to re-establish important personal connections that many feel have been compromised in the digital age.

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