Seven39: A Social Media Experiment with Limited Daily Access

Seven39 offers a unique social media experience by operating for only three hours each evening, embracing a '90s web forum aesthetic. While fostering a friendly and nostalgic environment, the platform's limited access may affect user engagement. Creator Mark Lyons positions Seven39 as an experiment to inspire healthier online interactions.

Apr 5, 2025 - 11:16
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Seven39: A Social Media Experiment with Limited Daily Access
The vibes at seven39 feel distinctly like the internet of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Image: The Verge

Seven39 is an experimental social media platform that operates for only three hours each evening, from 7:39 PM to 10:39 PM Eastern Time. Emulating a '90s web forum aesthetic, it offers a minimalist interface with a 200-character post limit, no advertisements, and a chronological feed. Established by Mark Lyons, Seven39 aims to foster intentional and communal online interactions, reminiscent of early internet experiences.

Key Features:

  • Operating Hours: Accessible exclusively during a three-hour window each evening, encouraging users to be online together.

  • User Interface: Designed to resemble '90s web forums, providing a nostalgic and straightforward browsing experience.

  • Community Engagement: Cultivates a friendly environment where users share various content, including memes and personal introductions.

  • Content Limitations: Restricts posts to 200 characters, disallows reposts or quote posts, and maintains a chronological feed to simplify interactions.

Community Feedback:

Users appreciate the site's nostalgic feel and its departure from the endless scrolling prevalent on mainstream platforms. One user noted, "​It's a fun place where people are nice." Another mentioned, "​I like the old school internet feel to this site." However, the limited operating hours pose challenges for some, leading to inconsistent engagement.

Mark Lyons views Seven39 as a social media experiment, aiming to explore healthier models for online interaction. He acknowledges the project's current limitations, stating that it's acceptable if the platform remains small, focusing on quality interactions over expansive growth.

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Rolf Andrei L. Frivaldo Hello! I'm Rolf Andrei L. Frivaldo, a Grade 12 ICT student and author. I have a passion for coding, eating and listening to music. In my free time, I enjoy playing games, reading world news, and sports such as badminton and chess. I'm just a chill guy and easy to came along with and I'm also a fast learner, and my goal is to publish interesting stories and accurate important news.