Social media is often about scale, but Nextdoor bet long ago on something different: that it could grow a big business off smaller, local communities. For years, the plan worked. The 15-year-old company has long been a dominant platform for neighborhood-based conversations, connecting users for everything from lost pet alerts to local business recommendations. Then […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Nextdoor CEO Nirav Tolia aims to revitalize the platform using AI, addressing issues like misinformation and toxic behavior that have deterred users. Tolia, who co-founded Nextdoor in 2011 and returned as CEO in 2023, emphasizes leveraging the company’s proprietary data and AI tools to enhance user experiences. He highlights AI’s role in moderating content without stifling free speech, such as through a "kindness reminder" feature that flags heated language. Tolia also stresses that Nextdoor’s AI will remain in-house to maintain user trust and differentiate the platform from competitors. Despite challenges, including financial stakes for Tolia as the company’s largest shareholder, he expresses optimism about AI’s potential to transform the platform. The company’s future, however, remains uncertain, with questions about its public status and ability to attract long-term investment.
