Have you seen friends or family posting about a new media platform that they are using? It’s no secret that people stick to their favorite sites and find it hard to get used to a new platform. But apps like TikTok, Clubhouse and Telegram are making their way into the phone libraries of many social media users. Now, former President Donald Trump announced that he is launching his own social media platform, TRUTH Social. Will enough people use the app to make it soar?
What is Truth Social?
Announced on Oct. 20, TRUTH Social aims to create a Twitter-like app for conservatives. Following the former President’s ban from Twitter and Facebook, there were talks of him rolling out his own social media platform, free from the control of companies that censor posts that don’t align with their terms and conditions. TRUTH Social boasts a free speech model (reminiscent of Parler), saying users can share their thoughts on matters in short posts, and other users can interact with them using ‘likes.’ The features potentially will allow users to substitute their Twitter feed with TRUTH. The app’s umbrella company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with Digital World Acquisition (NASDAQ: DWAC). Following this deal, its stock rose more than 85% in the first hour.
What’s different about TRUTH Social?
Reading through the terms and conditions of the app, people found that some of them were concerning. For example, while the app states that it will moderate the content of users, those using TRUTH Social must agree not to talk badly about the app. Otherwise, they will be kicked off of the platform. In addition, TRUTH can sue users who do not follow its terms and conditions—Something that its competition doesn’t do. The site also doesn’t allow users to sell any goods or services on the app, and they won’t be allowed to impersonate anyone.
What about Gettr?
Following Trump’s 2021 exile from social media platforms, his former aide Jason Miller announced he would be launching his own platform, Gettr. However, with TRUTH Social taking to app stores, people are questioning what will happen to it. But Gettr is not without its issues: Shortly after its launch in the summer of 2021, hackers were able to find users’ emails.
The app’s creator says that they could not make a deal with the former president, but they welcome the competition.
Will new media apps last?
With the creation of new apps, it is easy to question the longevity of the outlets and if they will last in the long run. Will you be downloading new media apps? Or are you more likely to stick to the apps that are more well-known and used by your friends and family?
