✨ Social Web
An introduction to the social web: people-first online spaces, the Fediverse, and the Social Web Foundation
The social web refers to the interactive, human-centred part of the internet, the places where people don’t just read information, they connect, share ideas, and participate in conversations.
Rather than passive browsing, the social web is about interaction: people commenting, reposting, collaborating, and forming community around shared interests.
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🧠 What Is the Social Web?
The social web includes:
- Social networks like X (formerly Twitter), Mastodon, LinkedIn, and others
- Discussion forums like Reddit or specialised community platforms
- Decentralised networks and federation technologies such as the fediverse
- Comment sections, groups, and collaborative spaces where users interact directly
It’s the part of the internet that turns static web pages into living conversations.
At its core, the social web is built around people and participation, not just content consumption. It’s where ideas spread, communities form, and users drive the experience.
🌐 A Brief Look at the Social Web Foundation
The Social Web Foundation (SWF) is a nonprofit organisation focused on making the social web:
- More open
- More decentralised
- More sustainable
Their work includes shaping standards and approaches for communities and federated networks that prioritise user control and shared governance.
Follow SWF: @swf@socialwebfoundation.org
📌 Why It Matters
Understanding the social web helps you:
- See how conversations shape online culture
- Understand how communities influence trends and decision-making
- Recognise the difference between read-only and participatory web experiences
Whether you’re sharing ideas, connecting with others, or building a community, the social web is the environment where those interactions happen.
🔗 Further Reading
Here’s a useful explanation of social web concepts from the Ghost project: