Twitter Co-Founder to Unveil Real-World Connections App Mozi

Evan “Ev” Williams, co-founder of Twitter, is set to introduce Mozi, a new social media platform designed to foster face-to-face interactions rather than digital engagement – officially debuting at SXSW, the same event that pushed Twitter into the public eye back in 2007. The app, which has already soft-launched, has secured $6 million in venture funding from a number ofnotable investors.

Unlike traditional social networks that prioritize engagement metrics, Mozi eliminates public profiles and follower counts, instead helping users reconnect in person. “What we used to call social apps really don’t do that,” Williams told Bloomberg. “That’s not how they’ve evolved. They’re media and entertainment.” Mozi helps users reconnect by alerting them when acquaintances are nearby or attending local events, and its Local Plans feature allows users to share event attendance with their contacts, making spontaneous meetups easier.

Mozi’s launch comes at a time when concerns over digital wellness and social media’s impact on mental health are growing. Williams has been critical of mainstream platforms’ emphasis on likes, comments, and engagement-driven algorithms, calling them “unhealthy.” Instead, Mozi avoids these mechanisms, aiming to redefine social media as a tool for genuine connection rather than content consumption.

Although not an immediate threat to platforms like Meta, X, or TikTok, Mozi challenges the engagement-driven model that fuels the industry. While the app is currently free, future monetization could come from premium features or partnerships with brands and events. Mozi’s focus on offline interactions may not be a direct competitor to other large platforms, but if user habits change, it could become one of many apps that help users ditch online messaging in favour of broader offline connections.