The internet is a round-the-clock platform. Imagine if it had designated hours of operation. This intriguing premise lies at the heart of Seven39, a groundbreaking social media experiment that is accessible for just three hours each day, commencing at 7:39 PM Eastern Time. When I accessed the platform last night, I was greeted by a modest yet welcoming group of users eager to explore this fresh concept.

We find ourselves several decades into an experiment where a mere handful of social media outlets dominate global communication. Unsurprisingly, this situation is far from ideal. This may explain the rise of various alternatives to mainstream platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook, each with its distinctive appeal. Some networks, including Mastodon and Bluesky, champion decentralization as their core value.

What sets Seven39 apart is its time-based limitation: users are allowed a three-hour window daily. In a world where social networks usually aim to monopolize users’ attention, this approach is refreshingly radical. The website guarantees: “No infinite scrolling. No fear of missing out. Just three hours of enjoyable interaction every evening.”

Credit: Justin Pot

Upon logging in, the nostalgic design reminiscent of early 2000s websites caught my attention. A search box sits above a timeline displaying all posts on the network. Currently, keeping pace with the content is simple, but a “Top Posts” section is also available for those who prefer popular posts. Users can follow others, similar to other platforms, with a dedicated “Following” section displaying posts solely from these users. Interaction options are limited to likes and replies—no boosts or retweets. Posts predominantly feature text, though images and 60-second videos can also be included.