Büyükkökten argues that the current social media landscape has lost its way, specifically blaming AI-generated content for eroding the authenticity that defined the early web. His vision centers on returning to the roots of digital community-building, a stark contrast to his failed 2016 venture, Hello, which shuttered after four years despite reaching 2 million downloads.
Orkut founder seeks to revive early social media era
Ten years after Google shuttered his namesake social network, Orkut Büyükkökten is calling for a digital resurrection. The 51-year-old founder has launched a campaign on Orkut.com, asking former users to register their support for a platform he claims will prioritize human connection over the encroaching influence of modern algorithms.
Whether this latest outreach signals a concrete development phase or remains a nostalgic appeal is unclear. Although Büyükkökten previously teased a project utilizing machine learning to foster genuine belonging, he has yet to provide a timeline or technical roadmap for a potential relaunch. The platform that once commanded 300 million active users at its peak remains dormant, leaving the industry to wonder if a decade of distance is enough to restore its former influence.
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