Reimagining Social Connections: The Founder of Orkut Aims to Revive the Platform
Orkut, the social networking site that garnered immense popularity before shutting down over ten years ago, is potentially poised for a revival. Its founder is reaching out to users to aid in restoring the platform, emphasizing the importance of friendship, community, and genuine connections.
In a recent message on X, Orkut Büyükkökten, the platform’s creator, encouraged former users to visit Orkut.com to register their names in support of its revival and to invite others to participate.
Launched in 2004 as a side project by Büyükkökten while he was at Google, Orkut experienced significant popularity particularly in India and Brazil. However, its user base diminished as Facebook emerged. Google ultimately discontinued the service in September 2014, redirecting its efforts towards other platforms like Google+ and YouTube.
In a letter on Orkut.com, Büyükkökten expressed concern over the direction social media has taken in the last two decades, especially regarding the increasing dominance of algorithms and AI-driven content. He noted, “While artificial intelligence is remarkable technology, it undermines the fundamental aspect that made social networking meaningful and worthwhile: the presence of real people.”
“I believe we can recreate the internet we once cherished, characterized by authentic interactions, true connections, and a sense of belonging,” he elaborated.
This isn’t Büyükkökten’s first attempt at returning to social media. In 2016, two years after Orkut’s closure, he launched a new platform called Hello, aimed at connecting individuals through shared interests. However, Hello ceased operations in 2020, despite reaching over 2 million downloads globally, while Orkut boasted around 300 million active users at its peak.
In 2022, Büyükkökten hinted at a fresh social networking initiative in a note on Orkut.com, mentioning that he was working on “something new.” Further details were not disclosed. In a subsequent discussion with WIRED, he indicated that he was developing a platform leveraging AI and machine learning to foster community and connections, although this project has not yet launched.
Currently, Büyükkökten is encouraging the public to endorse Orkut’s return. However, he has not specified whether a new iteration of the platform is actively being developed or if it will see the light of day.
An inquiry made to Orkut for comments from Büyükkökten went unanswered.
