“We See Hello As A Spiritual Successor To Orkut”

Remember Orkut.com, the first streamlined social networking platform, even before we had Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Such was its craze that Orkut went on to become one of the most visited websites in India and Brazil in 2008. The erstwhile trendsetter website took hold in the country like a boss. However, having lost its sheen to rivals, Orkut shut down its services in 2014. Now, its creator Orkut Buyukkokten, a former Google employee, is back with a bang with yet another platform, hello network, which is built particularly for the new mobile generation. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, hello brings people together around their interests to create positive, meaningful, authentic connections and sustained social engagement. In a conversation with Ramesh Kumar Raja, Buyukkokten spoke at length about his new social venture, which holds a great significance, especially in wake of Facebook data breach. Excerpts:

- Ramesh Kumar Raja

Social media landscape has changed incredibly, especially since Orkut. There are several social networking websites these days. So, what inspired you to make a re-entry with hello, another networking platform? Social networks today don’t connect us to one another the way they used to a decade ago. Our social feeds are filled with choreographed moments, idealistic posts, and fake appearances. This generation stopped sharing their genuine and authentic feelings online because there is so much fear of rejection and disapproval. as a consequence, we stopped sharing things that are emotionally meaningful. We connect to one another when we are real, open and honest. Social networks today stopped bringing people together and enabling new authentic connections. Instead, they are causing anxiety, depression and social isolation.

Social was a very happy, fun experience with Orkut. We had such a loving, kind and amazing community. People there made new friends, found love, even got married and had kids. It brought the world closer together. We are continuing the tradition with hello to make social networking social again and creating those magical moments and connections that enhance our life experiences.