By: Ethan Rogers
It’s undeniable that social media has become one of the primary sources of news and information for millions. Unfortunately, it also contributed to the rise of rampant misinformation and the formation of ideological echo chambers that have divided society. Kevin Linney, an innovative entrepreneur, created Society Glo to restore transparency, encourage civic engagement, and connect people with the leaders who shape their communities.
The motivation behind this venture stems from Linney’s observations of the growing disconnect between the public and their elected officials. “I realized that the problem had become so widespread. People don’t even know about their own government representatives. That includes not just their state legislators but also their city council members,” he shares.
Linney also witnessed that many felt their voices were ignored, that the system was rigged in favor of the wealthy and powerful, and that corporate interests were favored over everyday citizens’ needs. These frustrations were reflected in voter turnout data. The 2020 United States presidential election saw approximately 66% of eligible voters participate, with the state elections faring around the same percentage on average. In 2022, state elections saw a decline in eligible voter participation. For instance, in California, it dropped from 65% in 2020 to 51.5% in 2022. The growing skepticism in the system might have contributed to this.
Social media’s massive role in shaping public perception adds to the problem, according to Linney. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X are designed to maximize engagement. Their algorithms promote content more likely to generate clicks, shares, and interactions. Given this mechanism, accuracy usually becomes an afterthought. This means conspiracy theories and false information can spread faster, fueling distrust and deepening divisions.
Linney launched Society Glo to address such challenges. The platform serves as a space where verified leaders in government, business, and nonprofit organizations can communicate with the public. For example, it can be a mayor outlining upcoming infrastructure projects, a nonprofit organization sharing information about food assistance programs, or a business leader discussing local economic initiatives.
Society Glo doesn’t rely on engagement-driven algorithms and instead delivers content based on its geo-location technology, ensuring that users receive relevant information from the officials and organizations that impact their daily lives. “The app’s structure aims to get rid of the manipulation of content visibility based on popularity or controversy. This is how it helps create a more balanced and informative digital environment,” says Linney.
In addition to curated civic updates, Society Glo offers sections dedicated to resources that many people don’t realize exist. It connects individuals with local businesses, nonprofits, and government programs to provide them with opportunities for community involvement, job placement, and social services. Most importantly, the app’s presentation-only format removes the distractions of likes, comments, or debates. This allows users to focus only on the facts that impact their daily lives.
Linney emphasizes the significance of restoring faith in leadership and information sources: “The biggest issue we face today isn’t just misinformation. It’s the apathy that comes with it. When people stop believing they have a voice, they disengage, and that weakens our communities. Society Glo intends to change that. I want people to know who represents them, what resources are available to them, and how they can be part of the conversation that shapes their future.”
Solutions like Society Glo are essential to rebuilding the connections that have been lost. The app offers a refreshing alternative to the chaos of mainstream social media, creating a space where verified leaders can connect with the public without the interference of engagement-focused algorithms.
Published by Jeremy S.
