On December 16, the SNS “mixi2” suddenly appeared and is very popular.
mixing2
* Click to see an enlarged image
X and Facebook are full of links to join mixi2, and although it is said to be “entirely by invitation only,” anyone can easily join.
Until now, every time a new SNS appeared, there was a cry of joy, and netizens flooded the site for a moment. In particular, when Threads and Bluesky appeared, they attracted a lot of attention, but due to the small number of posts and the lack of worthy posts, in the end they could not be close to X.
Of course, it’s only been a day since mixi2 started, so it’s quite possible that the excitement will only last for a few days and the likes of Threads and Bluesky will end up being disappointing.
Can you end your dissatisfaction with X?
However, personally, I hope mixi2 can end the dissatisfaction I feel with SNS these days.
In fact, I think X has gotten really bad lately.
The ads are full of random images, making you hesitate to even open the X app on the train. I sometimes show my smartphone screen to my kids, but X is the only thing I don’t want them to see. Elon Musk is so desperate to get people to sign up for a paid plan that doesn’t show ads that he’s almost ditching Manma.
However, although I am embarrassed by X, not only posts from acquaintances but also all kinds of news are flowing to X. Because I know what is going on in the world in real time it is not possible me to stay away from X.
On that point, I think mixi2 could replace X if the media set up an official account and distribute news as well as posts from friends.
What I’m really looking forward to about mixi2 is its “ad management.” Although ads are not currently being shown, it will inevitably introduce an advertising model and monetization in the future.
In doing so, I want to avoid running ads that are blindly condescending or aimed at dissolving people’s complexes.
As mixi2 is not available for under 18s, there is the possibility of seeing a large number of ads aimed at adults, but as we want to see it as a fun SNS, we would I see quality control as good.
Another thing I look forward to about mixi2, compared to the previous “subversive X” SNS, is that it is “homemade.”
Among the reactions to posts are not only emojis, but also kanji, katakana, and lines like “age,” “thank you,” “good,” and “understand,” which makes it easy to use. There are many words in this area that Japanese users tend to respond to easily, and it’s fun to be able to express your feelings the way you want.
The “tracks” that were on the old mixes can also be added by holding down the action button. In the past, the mixi felt forced to leave a footprint on it, but with the mixi2, you can leave a footprint on your feet if you want. I appreciate that it has a modern implementation while still keeping the mix.
There is a valuable domestic SNS that Japanese users can use with confidence
I think MIXI’s “home SNS” is quite important at this time.
In the United States, TikTok is about to be banned by law.
In Japan, LINE is very popular as a communication tool, but the fact that the server is located abroad has been seen as a problem, and local governments are concerned about the safety of using it.
Since X is expanding worldwide, as soon as it becomes clear that you can make money based on the number of impressions, zombies will appear one after another from abroad and you will not be able to pay attention call them.
On that point, I would like mixi2 to work on servers in Japan, and aim to be a “SNS that users in Japan can use with peace of mind.”
The media and shareholders are putting a lot of pressure on Japanese companies to “aim for the world”, but I think mixi2 would be fine if it was the “Galapagos of SNS” for Japanese users in the Japanese market.
Many people are tired of social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram, where people tend to promote themselves. It’s good that the community is a place where you can share your interests and connect with friends while tweeting about your daily life, and it only serves as a place where you can be yourself.
It’s hard to use SNS as they aim to become “super apps” by incorporating payment, e-commerce and booking functions in an effort to grow their business, but I hope mixi2 continues somehow down the road of simplicity.
As of now, the barrier to entry seems to be low and anyone can use it easily, so it seems that they are trying to get a large number of users first.
However, in the future I would like everyone to use social networking services (My Number Card) or SMS to properly verify their identity and age, and to keep SNS safe and trouble free for everyone .