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In the ever-competitive world of social media, platforms are constantly vying for user engagement. While some platforms prompt users with questions like “What’s happening?” or “What’s on your mind?”, Pebble is taking a different approach. The platform, previously known as T2, now offers an “Ideas” tab, complete with a lightbulb icon, where users can find AI-generated posts tailored to their interests and past activity.
Gabor Cselle, the CEO of Pebble, believes that this AI-driven feature will create a more enjoyable and safer online environment. “Our aim is to ensure that you’re not just consuming great content but also contributing to the community in a meaningful way,” Cselle states.
Today marks a significant milestone for Pebble as it rebrands and opens its doors to a broader audience. The platform has secured $1.4 million in early funding and is operated by a small but dedicated team. With plans for additional funding, Pebble is also exploring revenue streams like advertisements and subscriptions.
Unlike other platforms that offer text suggestions based on user prompts, Pebble’s AI-generated posts are fully automated. They draw from users’ recent interactions and a set of generic templates developed by the company. This makes Pebble one of the first platforms to offer such a feature, setting it apart from competitors.
Since the rise of generative-text technology, there has been a rush to integrate similar features into various services. Pebble hopes that its “Ideas” feature will not only increase user engagement but also offer a unique selling point for those disenchanted with other platforms’ algorithms and content policies.
Pebble is still in its early stages, with around 15,000 registered users. However, Cselle is not aiming for explosive growth but rather a steady increase in user numbers. “We’re focusing on quality over quantity. The platform will grow as it improves, and it will improve as it grows,” he explains.
The platform’s new name, Pebble, symbolizes the collective power of individual contributions. Cselle believes that the platform’s unique features, including the AI-generated posts, will attract a diverse user base. However, he is also aware of the challenges, such as the potential for AI to perpetuate biases and misinformation. “We’re committed to ensuring that the technology serves the community, not the other way around,” he adds.
To maintain community integrity, Pebble is also using AI to vet new sign-ups. The system employs advanced language models to assess whether a new user’s past posts align with Pebble’s community guidelines, which strictly prohibit nudity and violent content.
Pebble’s CTO, Mike Greer, emphasizes the platform’s commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive community. “We’re not just blocking toxic users; we’re also manually reviewing cases to ensure fairness,” he says.
Early adopters of Pebble’s AI feature have been largely positive, editing only 85% of the AI suggestions before posting. Cselle is optimistic that the system will become more personalized and effective over time. “We want these tools to amplify users’ voices, not replace them,” says Sarah Oh, Pebble’s COO and head of trust and safety policy.
While Pebble may be smaller than other emerging platforms, its innovative features and community-centric approach make it a compelling alternative. As more users discover Pebble, the platform is poised to redefine how we engage with social media.
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