What if the polarizing mess of social media, clickbait headlines and addictive algorithms isn't a breakdown of media but a transition to something better? Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie explores how independent creators are growing a new media "garden," where trust beats engagement metrics and audiences matter more than ads. Learn why clicking “subscribe” doesn’t just signal support; it gives you power.

This is what the future of media looks like

Media is undergoing its biggest upheaval since the printing press, shifting from top-down gatekeepers to a dynamic ecosystem driven by independent creators. Platforms like Patreon and Substack now allow writers, journalists, and artists to build sustainable, direct relationships with audiences. Examples such as a Substack-powered cookbook bestseller and a million-dollar political show highlight how trust and autonomy are replacing algorithmic control. This new model promises a richer, more resilient culture where attention nurtures community instead of fueling chaos.

The Media Garden Is Overtaking the Chaos of Social Platforms

The Substack app

culture

media

technology

creativity

Internet

TED Stage Talk

Hamish McKenzie: This is what the future of media looks like