Intentional Social App Tangle Aims to Redefine Online Life

Can an Intentional Social App Fix Social Media Fatigue?

Two of Silicon Valley’s most influential social media founders are betting that the next wave of platforms won’t be louder, faster, or more addictive—but more intentional. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp have quietly raised fresh funding for West Co, a startup built around a simple but ambitious question: can social media actually make us feel better?

At a time when users are burned out by endless scrolling, outrage cycles, and algorithmic pressure, West Co’s first product, Tangle, is positioning itself as an intentional social app—one designed to slow people down rather than pull them deeper in.

Key Facts: What We Know About West Co and Tangle

West Co launched an invite-only version of its first app, Tangle, in late 2023. According to regulatory filings and public comments, the startup has raised approximately $29 million in seed funding, led by Spark Capital.

Evan Sharp, who serves as CEO, has described the company as a response to the “terrible devastation of the human mind and heart” caused by the last 15 years of social media. Tangle opens with a daily prompt asking users, “What’s your intention for today?” Friends can share goals, reflect on their days, and notice patterns over time. Biz Stone has emphasized that the app may change significantly before a full public launch.

Why an Intentional Social App Matters Right Now

The rise of an intentional social app like Tangle reflects a broader cultural shift. Users are no longer just asking for new features; they’re questioning the psychological cost of existing platforms.

Mainstream social networks are optimized for attention extraction—likes, shares, and infinite feeds reward impulsive behavior. In contrast, Tangle’s design philosophy prioritizes reflection, not reaction. That difference matters for professionals, creators, and everyday users who feel productive online but emotionally drained offline.

This trend aligns with the growing demand for mindful social media and healthy social networking. Meditation apps, digital wellbeing tools, and screen-time controls have already gone mainstream. Social platforms, however, have been slower to change their core incentives. West Co’s approach suggests that even social connection itself may need a redesign.

A Founder-Led Rebellion Against the Algorithm Economy

What makes this story more compelling is who is building it. Stone and Sharp helped create some of the most influential visual and conversational platforms of the modern internet. Their involvement gives weight to Sharp’s reflection: “What could I build that might help address just some of the terrible devastation…?”

This isn’t an outsider critique—it’s an insider reckoning. If early social media rewarded growth at all costs, West Co appears to be experimenting with a different success metric: user clarity and emotional health.

That doesn’t mean the model is risk-free. An intentional social app faces tough questions about scale, engagement, and monetization. Slower interactions may be healthier—but are they sustainable in a market dominated by ad-driven giants?

What Users and Brands Should Watch Next

If Tangle succeeds, its impact could ripple far beyond a single app. Here’s what to pay attention to:

• Design signals: Expect fewer notifications, no infinite scroll, and prompts that encourage closure instead of compulsion.

• Community norms: Smaller, trust-based networks may outperform massive follower counts.

• Brand participation: Companies may need to shift from “attention grabbing” to “value aligning” in intentional spaces.

• Platform evolution: As Stone noted, the product may change—suggesting experimentation rather than rigid vision.

For users, the practical takeaway is simple: start evaluating platforms not by how much time they take, but by how you feel after using them. For creators and marketers, this shift may signal future demand for authenticity over volume.

Conclusion: A Small Question With Big Implications

The idea behind an intentional social app isn’t revolutionary because of technology—it’s revolutionary because of restraint. By asking users to define their intention before they post, Tangle challenges the assumption that more sharing is always better.

Whether West Co ultimately succeeds or pivots, its experiment signals a larger truth: the next era of social media may be less about capturing attention and more about respecting it. If that shift sticks, the most valuable platforms of the future may be the ones that help us log off feeling whole.

FAQ SECTION

Q: What is an intentional social app?
A: An intentional social app is designed to encourage mindful, purposeful interaction rather than endless scrolling. It focuses on reflection, goal-setting, and emotional wellbeing instead of maximizing engagement metrics.

Q: How is Tangle different from traditional social media?
A: Tangle centers around daily intentions and personal reflection instead of likes or viral posts. The experience is slower, more private, and focused on meaningful connection rather than public performance.

Q: Can intentional social apps really improve mental health?
A: While no app is a cure-all, intentional design can reduce stress triggers like comparison and information overload. Experts suggest these platforms may support healthier online habits when used consistently.

Q: Will Tangle replace major social networks?
A: Unlikely in the short term. Intentional social apps are more likely to complement existing platforms by offering a quieter alternative for reflection and close connections.