Lens Protocol is a decentralized social media. In other words, Lens Protocol is an open source social graph based on web3 and built on the Polygon network.
What is Lens Protocol?
Lens Protocol is an open source and composable social graph based on web3 and built on the Polygon blockchain. The project aims to enable developers to launch Web3-based social media platforms and profiles. It gives creators control over their connection to their community and helps them retain ownership of whatever content they create.
This protocol attempts to find solutions to emerging challenges and problems related to web2. In order to understand how the protocol works, it is very important to know these issues.
Problems with Web2
Lens Protocol is tuned to solve problems with web2 social media interaction. One of the problems with Web2 is the strict autonomy controlled by central companies. These companies can choose to suspend accounts at any time, making it possible to lose followers and content you already have.
Web2 social media platforms manage comments and posts and have forms of censorship on accounts and content; many are even seen as unacceptable. Unfortunately, well-meaning posts are often removed as part of the process.
Web2 social media platforms have central servers. As a result, your data, account and followers are controlled by the company that created the platform. Your interaction is within the platform and the company uses your information and monetizes your content without your consent.
After understanding some of the problems with Web2 social media platforms, it is necessary to know how the Lens Protocol works to see how it tries to solve the problem.
How to Use Lens Protocol?
The principle of using Lens Protocol is that it provides an easy way for interested users to create their own social media platforms for their desired use.
A social graph is a structure that shows the interconnections between people and groups in a social network. The structure is created when you create profiles, follow users, create content, and associate them with other content.
Centralized social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok use social graphics, among other things, to manipulate content and create a convenient user experience for users. Lens Protocol, on the other hand, integrates social graphics into a smart contract and allows users to build their social media platforms and communities independently of any centralized control.
Unlike centralized social media companies, Lens Protocol’s source codes are open and permissionless, allowing anyone to develop them. This access allows you to create follower-specific solutions for those in your network.
Lens Protocol Features
Lens Protocol allows you to perform activities similar to those found on Web2 social media platforms with a few additional features.
1. Profile Tracking
When you follow a profile you are given the option to “Follow NFT”. You can also add a tracking module, just like a condition, to determine whether a tracking NFT should be given to someone who wants to track you.
2. Publications
Represents posts and interactions. Posts are generated content. You can also comment on posts and mirror posts. Mirroring a post is like sharing what someone else has posted.
3. Gathering
The Aggregation feature allows you to monetize your content. You can set your collection parameters such as the time the collection is open, the maximum number users can collect. You can also sell NFT with this module.
4. Management
This feature allows you to create a social media account where followers can vote when making important decisions.
How the Lens Protocol Works
Lens Protocol has a system designed to solve web2 problems. Therefore, the working principle also depends on it. All Lens Protocol profiles are in NFT format. You have an NFT that represents your identity, and you connect with those NFTs to connect with people. That way, everyone involved gets control over their own identity.
Within the protocol, you can also transfer members of your community from one social media platform to another. Unlike Web2 social media platforms, you don’t have to start over to get new followers on another social media platform, as you can easily transfer your community to a new platform.
Lens Protocol is censorship resistant. You have full control over your content as it is not on any central server. Building on the Lens Protocol means that no central authority can shut you down as you have full control over your platform and community. Knowing this ensures that you are building a lasting, long-term project.
