A collaborative project between the podcasts "Hard Fork" and "Search Engine" explored the possibility of creating a social media platform that incentivizes positive interactions rather than divisive content. The year-long experiment, detailed in an episode titled "The Fediverse Experiment," involved building a social network from the ground up, aiming to foster good-faith discussions.

Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, hosts of "Hard Fork," partnered with PJ Vogt, host of "Search Engine," to delve into the potential of reimagining the internet. The project sought to address concerns about the current social media landscape, often criticized for promoting "rage-baiting" and contributing to societal polarization.

The inspiration for the experiment stems from a growing interest in alternative social media models, particularly the Fediverse, a decentralized network of interconnected servers. Platforms like Mastodon have gained traction as users seek alternatives to mainstream social networks like Twitter, now known as X. These platforms offer a different approach to content moderation and community governance.

The "Hard Fork" team expressed a desire to understand if a social platform could be designed to encourage more constructive dialogue. By creating their own platform, they hoped to identify the key elements that contribute to a healthier online environment. The team aimed to create a space where users felt incentivized to engage in friendly interactions and thoughtful discussions.

Listeners can access the "Fediverse Experiment" episode on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and iHeartRadio. "Hard Fork" encourages audience feedback via email at hardforknytimes.com and through their YouTube and TikTok channels. The podcast is produced by Whitney Jones and Rachel Cohn, with Vjeran Pavic serving as editor.