Our Values

These values guide every product decision, every policy choice, and every line of code we write. They're our commitment to building a platform that serves users, not engagement metrics.

• User wellbeing over engagement: our success metric is "did this help the user?" not "minutes watched." We optimize for usefulness and genuine value, not time spent on the platform.
• No dark patterns: we avoid mechanics that exploit self-control. No infinite scroll everywhere, no autoplay loops without user control, no manipulative push notifications designed to pull you back in.
• Intentional stopping points: "You're caught up" moments, session limits and reminders, clear endpoints—so users can leave on purpose. We design for intentional use, not compulsion.
• User control of the algorithm: you can tune your feed—by topics, sensitivity, following-only mode, time-based sorting—and understand why you're seeing content. Transparency over manipulation.
• Truth and quality over virality: we down-rank outrage bait and misleading content. We reward sources, context, and constructive discussion—not content designed to maximize emotional reactions.
• Privacy by default: we minimize tracking, reduce data collection, and don't sell personal data. We align our incentives away from surveillance advertising.
• Humane notifications: notifications are user-requested and meaningful. No "come back!" bait, no "streaks," no variable-reward spam designed to trigger compulsive checking.
• Safety and dignity as core product requirements: strong standards, consistent enforcement, and protection from harassment and doxxing. Safety isn't an afterthought—it's built into how the platform works.
• Accountability and transparency: we publish how ranking works (at a high level), moderation stats, and changes over time—so the community can hold us accountable to these values.

What We Will Never Do

These are lines we won't cross, regardless of growth pressure or competitive dynamics. These practices are common in engagement-optimized platforms, and we commit to avoiding them entirely.

• Infinite scroll everywhere: we won't design feeds that never end without clear stopping points or user control.
• Autoplay loops without friction: we won't create video experiences that automatically continue without user consent or session reminders.
• Streaks and gamification: we won't use "streaks," "you missed X," or other variable-reward mechanics designed to create compulsive checking habits.
• Exploitative notifications: we won't send "come back!" notifications, engagement bait, or manipulative alerts designed to pull you back into the app.
• Sell personal data: we won't sell your information to advertisers or data brokers. Your data isn't a product we monetize.
• Optimize for outrage: we won't rank content to maximize emotional reactions or drive conflict for engagement. Quality and truth matter more than clicks.
• Hide how things work: we won't keep ranking algorithms, moderation decisions, or policy changes secret. Transparency is a core value, not a feature.

Accountability

Promises are only meaningful if they're backed by action and accountability. Here's how we ensure these values shape the product:

• Published standards: our Community Standards are public, and we enforce them consistently. When we make enforcement decisions, we provide clear reasoning.
• Transparency reports: we'll share regular updates on safety, moderation, and how ranking works—including what we measure and why.
• Appeals process: if you believe we made a mistake in enforcement or moderation, there's a clear path to request review.
• Community feedback: we build in public where possible, and we listen when the community tells us we're not living up to these values.

For more details, see our Safety & Moderation page and Community Standards.

Holding Us Accountable

These values are commitments, not marketing. If you see us falling short, we want to know. If you have questions about how we're living up to these principles, reach out.

Email us at hello@samosa.social or use the contact form below.