In an effort to reimagine the internet, Kevin Roose and Casey Newton of the "Hard Fork" podcast collaborated with PJ Vogt, host of the "Search Engine" podcast, to create their own social media platform, an experiment that explored the possibility of incentivizing positive online interactions. The project, dubbed "The Fediverse Experiment," sought to address the pervasive issue of rage-baiting and foster more constructive dialogue, according to a recent episode of "Hard Fork."

The impetus behind the experiment stemmed from growing concerns about the current state of social media, where algorithms often prioritize sensationalism and negativity to maximize engagement. This, in turn, can contribute to polarization, misinformation, and a decline in civil discourse. Roose and Newton questioned whether a platform could be designed to reward thoughtful contributions and discourage harmful behavior.

Vogt, whose "Search Engine" podcast often delves into complex questions about technology and society, brought his expertise to the project. The team explored the concept of the Fediverse, a decentralized network of social media platforms that operate independently but can still interact with one another. This model offers an alternative to the centralized control of traditional social media giants.

"We wanted to see if we could build something different, something that encouraged people to be their best selves online," Roose said in the podcast episode. Newton added that the experiment was not just about building a platform, but about understanding the underlying incentives that shape online behavior.

The team's exploration of the Fediverse mirrors a broader trend of users seeking alternatives to mainstream social media platforms. Mastodon, a decentralized social network, has seen increased interest as users look for spaces with different moderation policies and community guidelines. Articles in The New York Times have documented the rise of Mastodon and the ongoing debate about the future of social networking.

The "Hard Fork" team acknowledged the challenges of creating a successful social media platform, including the need for effective moderation, user adoption, and sustainable funding. However, they remain optimistic about the potential for innovation in this space.

The episode, released Jan. 13, 2026, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and iHeartRadio. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback via email at hardforknytimes.com. The "Hard Fork" team also maintains a presence on YouTube and TikTok. The podcast is produced by Whitney Jones and Rachel Cohn, with Vjeran Pavic serving as editor.