Jack Dorsey Backs diVine, a Vine Revival with a Generative AI Twist

In a bold move to revive the nostalgia of the internet's past, a new app called diVine is set to bring back the magic of Vine's six-second looping videos. But this isn't just a walk down memory lane – diVine is also a forward-thinking platform that tackles the pressing issue of generative AI content on social media. And it's backed by none other than Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's nonprofit, and Other Stuff. The story of diVine begins with Evan Henshaw-Plath, an early Twitter employee who's also a member of and Other Stuff. In 2016, when Twitter announced it was shutting down Vine, Henshaw-Plath and a group called the Archive Team worked together to back up the platform's vast video archive. This archive, which contains over 100,000 videos, will be the foundation of diVine's content library. But why revive Vine now? The answer lies in the current state of social media, where AI-generated content is increasingly flooding platforms. While AI has opened up new possibilities for creativity and self-expression, it also raises concerns about authenticity and the spread of misinformation. diVine aims to address these issues by flagging suspected generative AI content and preventing it from being posted. "We're not just trying to bring back Vine as it was," says Henshaw-Plath. "We're using this opportunity to create a platform that's more thoughtful and intentional about the content it allows. We want to encourage creators to be authentic and human, rather than relying on AI-generated content." To achieve this, diVine will use a combination of machine learning algorithms and human moderation to detect and flag AI-generated content. This approach is designed to be more nuanced and effective than traditional AI-detection methods, which often rely on simplistic heuristics. But what about the user experience? diVine will allow users to create profiles, upload their own videos, and interact with others in a familiar social media format. However, the platform will also include features that encourage users to engage with each other in more meaningful ways, such as through comments and discussions. "We want diVine to be a place where people can connect with each other on a deeper level," says Henshaw-Plath. "We're not just building a social media platform – we're building a community." The launch of diVine is a significant moment in the evolution of social media, and it's clear that the platform is driven by a desire to create a more authentic and human experience. As the internet continues to grapple with the challenges of AI-generated content, diVine offers a beacon of hope for a more thoughtful and intentional approach to social media. With Jack Dorsey's backing and a team of passionate developers and designers, diVine is poised to make a significant impact on the social media landscape. As the platform launches and grows, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and adapts to the needs of its users. One thing is certain, however – diVine is a bold experiment in the future of social media, and it's worth watching.