Orkut Büyükkökten, the creator of the once-popular social network Orkut, is rallying support to revive the platform, emphasizing a return to genuine human connection. Orkut originally launched in 2004 as a Google side project and became especially popular in India and Brazil before shutting down in 2014 due to competition from platforms like Facebook. Büyükkökten has postulated that modern social media has strayed from its roots, increasingly dominated by algorithms and AI-generated content, which diminishes authentic interpersonal engagement.

In a recent message on the social platform X, Büyükkökten encouraged users to sign up on Orkut.com to express interest in bringing the network back, though details about a new development or launch remain unclear. He advocates for rebuilding a social network environment focused on real individuals and meaningful relationships, countering the prevalent impersonal nature of today's digital interactions. This initiative follows previous efforts by Büyükkökten, including the 2016 launch of Hello, a social network centered around shared interests, which ceased operations in 2020.

Büyükkökten's vision contrasts sharply with the current social media landscape heavily shaped by artificial intelligence. He critiques AI's influence for undermining the social premise that a person is on the other end of interactions. His past work hints at plans to integrate AI and machine learning in ways that foster community and connection rather than detract from genuine engagement. However, as of now, concrete information about the potential revival or nature of Orkut’s relaunch is limited.

The call for Orkut's revival taps into nostalgia but also reflects growing concerns about the role of AI and algorithms in social media. While the new platform’s specifics are still in development, the founder’s appeal resonates with users seeking an internet experience grounded in authentic interaction. As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen if Orkut can regain its past influence by addressing modern social networking challenges and re-centering on human-centric connection.