#18: Why This Week Changed Social Media Forever

The Morins and Lessins discuss the urgent questions Hamas’ terrorism against Israel raises for tech companies. Plus, how leaders should—and should not—respond to the attacks.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

[0:36] Opening Discussion

[2:03] It is a very important and troubling time in the world. Sharing some of our thoughts as a group.

[2:10] Impossible to not talk about the Israel and Hamas situation.

[2:15] We are not a political podcast nor are we political experts. We are tech people.

[2:25] This podcast is going to be about the tech side of it and the important tech stories about it. 

[2:30] We are floored and upset. The situation with Hamas is beyond comprehension. They are a terrorist organization. What they’ve done, the atrocities, are beyond pale.

[2:49] We wish the Israeli people the best in doing the extremely painful and hard work ahead. Which clearly has to be done. 

[3:03] On the tech front, 3 things on the agenda to talk about:

1. Funding and LPs in this era: As a company or a fund how do you think about who’s funding you and who you’re funding in light of the geopolitical situation?

2. Social Networks and News: Section 230, the US election in 14 months, AI is now a thing. 

3. Tech Leaders and the interesting thing about who can say what on the internet.

[4:46] Debate about tech leaders' statements on the situation. Note of the lack of strong condemnation of Hamas among tech leaders.

[13:15] Suggestion that tech leaders may be hesitant to speak out strongly due to security concerns.

[15:52] Debate on social networks, news, misinformation, and AI. Prediction that Section 230 is dead.

[19:47] Losing the "town square" into encrypted group chats and why social media will never be the same.

[26:25] Idea that an alternative social network for “actual relationships” should exist.

[27:23] Proposal that we go back to where we were before: “don’t trust the network, trust the individual.”

[27:36] Idea to build clubs of trust and community among Celebrity Influencers to protect the commons.

[28:40] Is there an opportunity for quality journalism?

[28:54] Skepticism that news organizations can regain trust due to business model issues. 

[30:33] The Rock is the answer.

[30:46] Discussion on founders, VCs, and LPs in this era. Who are you ok making money for? 

[34:53] Agreement that transparency enables the individual founder or venture capitalist to make their own decisions about who they’re making money for. 

[36:31] Note that pushing VCs for transparency has worked for issues like diversity. California signed a law this week.

[38:32] Wrap Up