Gen Z’s New Social Frontier: Series and the Future of Intentional Networking
In a digital world where attention spans are short and social media thrives on instant gratification, two Yale juniors are daring to slow things down.
Sean Hargrow and Nathaneo Johnson, both students at Yale University, are the minds behind Series—a new social media platform that challenges the norms of digital engagement. Their vision? A platform centered on intentionality, narrative, and creativity over virality and likes.
Who Are They?
Hargrow and Johnson met during their freshman year and quickly found common ground in their desire to rethink how people connect online. Johnson, who previously interned at Snap, brought insight into the social media ecosystem and its impact on user behavior. Hargrow contributed a strong design sensibility rooted in user-first product experiences.
Together, they saw an opportunity to build something different—a place where users could tell richer, more thoughtful stories through curated sequences of media.
What Is Series?
Series is a social platform that allows users to post curated “series” of content—images, videos, and written reflections that unfold over time. Instead of emphasizing follower counts or engagement metrics, the platform is designed for depth.
Key differentiators include:
- A focus on storytelling and creative arcs, not just moments.
- An interface that encourages slow, deliberate posting.
- No algorithm chasing or popularity contests—just expression.
In many ways, Series is the antithesis of traditional platforms like Instagram or TikTok. It offers users the space to build a reflective digital identity without pressure to entertain or go viral.
The Funding and the Future
Earlier this year, Series secured $3.1 million in seed funding, led by Redpoint Ventures and supported by Oyster Ventures, SV Angel, and angel investors from companies like Snap and TikTok. This backing is not only a financial milestone but a validation of the broader appetite for alternatives to mainstream social media.
With funding in hand, the team plans to grow their product team, enhance the app’s tools for storytelling, and expand to new user bases beyond the college demographic.
A Sign of Change
Series is part of a broader shift in the tech landscape. Gen Z, having grown up under the shadow of likes, shares, and endless scrolling, is now building tools that reflect different values—authenticity, mental health, and digital intentionality.
This generation is no longer satisfied with platforms that amplify noise. Instead, they are building spaces where stories—not stats—take center stage.
Final Thoughts
Series is still in its early days, but it represents a powerful idea: that social media can evolve beyond the dopamine loop. As more young founders like Hargrow and Johnson build with clarity and purpose, the future of networking may become more human, more creative, and more mindful.
For anyone who’s ever asked, “Is there a better way to connect online?”—Series might just be the beginning of the answer.
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