Evan Henshaw-Plath, a former Twitter employee, is resurrecting the beloved video app Vine under the name Divine. This new platform aims to bring back the original’s authentic creativity and iconic viral moments by allowing only “real videos without AI.” Divine will flag and prevent the posting of suspected generative AI content, prioritizing genuine human connection over algorithm-driven aesthetics. Henshaw-Plath refers to his initiative as a response to the “enshittification” of the internet, a term coined by Cory Doctorow that criticizes platforms prioritizing profit over user experience. Currently in beta, Divine has restored over 100,000 archived Vine videos and received funding from Jack Dorsey’s non-profit, And Other Stuff. With Elon Musk hinting at a potential Vine revival, this new endeavor represents a significant shift back toward user-centered social media experiences. Divine embodies the spirit of authenticity that many social media users crave.
