Phil Ammann
Anger and negativity online have soured the social media experience for many, particularly during the most recent election cycle.
A Tampa-based company is looking to change all that with Paloozoo, a new social media platform designed to “put users first,” offering direct control over what they see online – all while raising money for charity.
Debuting this week, Paloozoo is a national network that allows members to take charge of their social media by real-time content viewing, without the interference of an algorithm. Users can filter content for a customized experience.
Paloozoo co-founders Mark Reinisch and Rick Link say the idea for the network came during the 2016 elections, after being “overwhelmed with aggressive and partisan language” online.
“Rick and I agreed there was a void in the marketplace and partnered to develop a tool without the many pitfalls of other social media sites,” Reinisch says. “We developed this site to put the user first.”
“The social media space is primarily managed by algorithms that benefit companies, not users,” Link adds. “If a Paloozoo member doesn’t like the commentary by friends, relatives or others, they can filter it out with confidence that the systems won’t override their filter using mysterious algorithms.”
Paloozoo users have multiple streams of engagement through social posts, reviews, classifieds and “best of” lists through a customizable one-stop platform. Through a patent-pending content controls feature, Paloozoo members can filter or completely block content and categories from friends, family or the entire Paloozoo community.
Those who regularly frequent Paloozoo will have an opportunity to give money to charity through “Paloozoo Points.”
With each action on Paloozoo, members earn points; at the end of each month, a user chosen at random drawing can donate to one of a number of charities: Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, Doctors Without Borders, Feeding America, Operation Homefront, Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Humane Society.
Paloozoo is now available through Paloozoo.com and on both desktop and mobile internet browsers. The company is also planning an app for easier user engagement.
