Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse or Elon Musk’s Twitter? What nothing! The topic of the moment is now one: Orkut. Created in 2004 and deactivated in 2014, the page of the iconic social network was reactivated last Wednesday (27), bringing expectations of an unexpected return.
Who join the domain orkut.com you will come across an open letter (in English or Portuguese) from the platform’s founder, Orkut Buyukkokten. In the message, the creator recalls the launch of the network almost two decades ago and how it became a virtual environment for over 300 million users.
Buyukkokten’s text mentions several criticisms of the hate speech and disinformation that prevail in today’s social networks. But the end of the message not only brings a feeling of hope to the world, but also suggests the possible return of Orkut.
“I am an optimistic person. I believe in the power of connection to change the world. I believe the world is a better place when we get to know each other a little more. That’s why I created the world’s first social network when I was a graduate student at Stanford. That’s why I brought orkut.com to so many of you around the world. And that’s why I’m building something new. See you soon!” the statement read.
Image: Playback/Orkut
Naturally, the possibility of the return of the platform marked by testimonials, scraps and communities caused an uproar on Twitter.
Long ago, nations lived in peace and harmony.
But all that changed when Elon Musk attacked.
Only Orkut dominates the entire web, but when the world needs it most, it disappears. 8 years have passed, but Orkut answered the call. I believe that Orkut can save the web.— Luiza (@luarmendes02) April 27, 2022
on orkut we could make testimonials, join communities, play mini farm and happy harvest, read the fortune of the day, see who visited the profile… it was the best social network and we didn’t appreciate it
— America Singer (@americasingerts) April 25, 2022
What a metaverse idiot I’m excited for the possible return of Buddy Poke with Orkut pic.twitter.com/oW2s15X0K0
— Fernando (@fernadormindo) April 28, 2022
Orkut’s return: a response to Twitter?
Interestingly, the reactivation of the site comes shortly after Elon Musk announced the purchase of Twitter. Last Monday (25), the social network of the bird accepted the proposal of US$ 44 billion made by the billionaire for full control of the platform.
Even more curious was the focus of the Buyukkokten message. Musk has already made it clear that he intends to implement major changes for “democracy” and “free speech” on Twitter. It is not clear how this would be configured, but there is a fear that the network could become the stage for even more hateful speeches and fake news.
In other words, the statement by the Turkish software engineer seems to be heading in the opposite direction, precisely defending a social network that rejects hate speech and disinformation. There is no mention of Twitter, but the timing of the announcement occurs in a period, to say the least, suggestive.
For now, it is uncertain if the novelty, in fact, will materialize in the official return of Orkut or even when this return would be. Caution should be important to avoid frustrations in the future, but one thing is for sure: the feeling of nostalgia is in the air.
And you: what do you think of this possible return? Leave your opinion in the comments section.
