Do you spend way too much time doomscrolling on social media? With seven39, you only have three hours a day to spend on the network. After that it closes, and honestly, that’s a good thing.
What is seven39?
The name might sound odd, but seven39 is a social network unlike anything you’ve tried before. We’re all used to scrolling, liking, commenting, and posting 24/7. Here, you have just three hours per day. And, everyone has the exact same three hours.
According to the site, the name and time came about because that particular domain name was available. So, it’s open from 7:39 PM EST to 10:39 PM EST each day.
The purpose is to still give you the option to be social online without feeling the need to stay constantly connected. I was intrigued by the idea and honestly feel like it’s a great way to connect, yet disconnect at the same time. For those quitting social media, but still wanting a little online socialization, this could be a great option.
The downside is it’s only available on the web, though an iOS app is in progress. However, you can add it as a web app on your phone just like you can X, Instagram, and other social networks.
Joining seven39’s Network
It’s completely free to join and there’s no waitlist. Visit the homepage, click Create an account, and enter your information. Confirm you want to join by clicking the link in your welcome email.
If it’s not 7:39 yet, you won’t be able to do anything but wait. You’ll see a red CLOSED banner, along with the current time and how many more hours and minutes until the network opens. Remember, you can only log in during the three-hour window.
Even when closed, you’re free to sign up. You’ll get a notification email when the site opens the first time after creating an account.
Once you’re in, make sure to set up your profile. By default, you can connect your X profile, though it’s limited to 15 characters. No other social networks are listed, but you can add your handle to other sites in your bio.
For your profile image, choose one of the cute emoji avatars (of course I chose a cat) and a background color, or upload an image of your own.
Simplified Social Network Focused on Meaningful Connections
seven39 isn’t about marketing, ads, or agendas. Currently, it’s all about meaningful connections. I’m sure things could change as popularity grows. For now, it’s a relatively simple social network with just the basics.
The main functions include:
- Posting – Up to 500 characters
- Polls – Four options max
- Images
- Like posts – No other reactions currently available
- Three timelines – Latest, Top Posts, Following
- Follow users
- Stats – For yourself and the entire site each day
I started by creating a basic post saying hello, followed by a poll. This works just like any other social network. Enter your text and/or image and hit Post.
You’re also able to comment on other posts, click user names to view profiles, and follow anyone you want. If you don’t want to see someone’s posts, view their profile, and click Mute. Blocking isn’t available just yet.
Gamifying Social Networking
To boost engagement during seven39’s short open window, the platform has a Stats tab. Only meaningful commenting and posting are including, so don’t try to get points just by posting a bunch of random stuff.
Stats show how many comments, replies, likes, shares and contributors there were for the day. There’s also a scoreboard to show the leaders for the day. You don’t get anything for it other than bragging rights. The numbers look extra bad in the screenshot below as this was within the first minute the site opened for the day. I still came in third for the day, though.
If you want to get extra points for the day, share the site with others. If they sign up, you get points for helping increase the user base.
I found that as the time went on, a handful of users started getting more active. You could tell users were engaging more to try and claim that top spot.
Socializing After Closing
Technically, if you’re logged in, you’re still able to socialize a little after closing. For instance, I could still comment on posts, check notifications, and like posts/comments.
If I tried to post anything other than a comment, it wouldn’t go live until the next time the site opens.
If you can’t log in for any given day, it’s nice to know you can go back and check out the daily posts and respond to anyone who may have replied to your own posts and comments. Remember, though, other users may not see anything until the site opens again.
Overcoming the Challenges
As I already said, there aren’t any mobile apps. If seven39 wants to succeed, apps are a must.
The most obvious issue is the time constraints. I love that it’s so limited, but those three hours don’t work for everyone thanks to time zones. For instance, in the US, the time works well for most users across the continental US. But, the network doesn’t open until 12:39 AM in the UK.
Depending on where you’re located, the time frame isn’t realistic. Think of it as more of a localized social network.
The other issue is it’s extremely quiet. I’ve connected with several other users, but on any given day, you’ll only see maybe a dozen users at most online.
On the other hand, it’s kind of nice. It feels like stepping into a cozy restaurant or bar where strangers are happy to strike up conversations. Yes, it’s actual socializing versus the typical arguing and bragging on most networks.
The final issue is posts aren’t private. Everything is public. So, don’t post anything personal.
I’d recommend friends sign up together as an alternative to the major social networks. Then, everyone get on at 7:39 and chat for a while and maybe meet some new people too.
Social media doesn’t have to run your life. Sometimes, disconnecting is a good thing, and seven39 helps you to connect, while ensuring you still disconnecting sometimes. After all, you don’t have to wait until social media goes down to get offline.
