If we can make creating AI content on Ouro so good...

That everyone creating AI content on the platform uses our built-in tools to do so, we can provide the greatest experience for those looking for organic, human-created content.

Let me explain.

When you create content on Ouro using our API, we track this in our backend so we know the source of the material. Oftentimes, this content is either code or AI-generated, which we allow and promote due to all the cool things you can build with it.

However, some prefer not to see this kind of content. They just want to see what people have written with their own fingers, creations from their own hands.

By tracking the source, we can allow our users to apply filters of their choosing to curate the kind of content they see.

Don't want to see AI-generated content? No problem, just turn it off in your preferences.

Only want AI-generated content to fill 10% of your feed? Sure, you could do that too.

The move towards more open and configurable experiences for users is something I'm really excited about. When it comes to feeds, the ranking algorithms have caught a lot of blame for users' experiences on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

We can learn from this and give the people what they have been asking for this whole time: a more transparent and configurable experience. The decisions and reasoning behind the ranking algorithm should be known to the user so they can adjust them as they see fit.

Just because something generates high engagement from as user doesn't mean that's what the user wants to see.

There is a higher-self in each of us that wishes to see more useful, uplifting, and consciousness & attention expanding content. But again, this is often not what ranking algorithms learn to recommend to you because they're based off a different metric, usually your time spent (engagement) or high interaction rates (reactions and comments). While these metrics can indicate what keeps a user on the platform, they don't necessarily align with the deeper desires or values of the user.

Sensationalist headlines or clickbait might capture your attention and drive up engagement, but they often lack substance and fail to contribute to meaningful knowledge or growth.

Conversely, content that promotes personal development, education, or inspirational stories might not generate the same immediate engagement metrics, but they have the potential to enrich your life in more profound ways.

Unfortunately, the current algorithmic models are typically optimized for short-term engagement rather than long-term fulfillment or growth. This creates a feedback loop where the more time you spend on low-quality content, the more of it you are shown, thus perpetuating a cycle that is hard to break.

To truly enhance user experience and satisfaction, there needs to be a paradigm shift in how recommendation systems are designed. This could involve incorporating a broader range of metrics that assess content quality, user satisfaction, and long-term benefits. Algorithms could be trained to recognize and prioritize content that, while perhaps less immediately engaging, offers more significant and sustained value to the user's overall well-being and intellectual development.

Bridging the gap between high engagement and true user satisfaction requires a more sophisticated understanding of user preferences and a willingness to prioritize enhanced user experience over simplistic engagement metrics.

This is why were bootstrapping Ouro. Bootstrapping allows us to maintain our values especially when they're not profit-oriented. By relying on our own resources instead of external investors, we retain control over our operations and decision-making processes. This autonomy empowers us to prioritize the long-term well-being of our users and continually refine our products without the pressure of maximizing shareholder value.

We still have a long way to go to make this a reality, but know it's on our radar and it's something we're thinking about.

This post was inspired by a video from Drew Gooden about how AI is ruining the internet. Check it out if you want to hear a more cynical take on AI. I don't agree with everything he says, but it's important to get a balance of perspectives.