Calmer by design
Built for presence and coordination — not distraction.
Community-first
Designed for groups, associations, and local networks.
Private and respectful
Without ads, manipulative feeds, or surveillance.
How it works
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to a calmer digital community.
Start with your community
Create a space that fits the way you want to be together.
Invite the people who belong
Make it easy to join — including for people who do not live on social media.
Keep the connection alive
Share updates, coordinate everyday life, and create more calm around communication.
Who is it for?
Built for real communities
From local groups to member organizations — Zen Social adapts to your everyday reality.
Local communities
Share news, coordinate initiatives, and make it easier to help each other in everyday life.
Associations and clubs
Bring members, messages, events, and working groups together in one place.
Volunteer communities
Create clarity without getting lost in noise, threads, and platform switching.
Schools and parent groups
A calmer space for practical updates, shared planning, and events.
Creative communities
Organize exhibitions, workshop days, courses, and shared projects.
Ecovillages and cohousing communities
Strengthen day-to-day coordination without losing touch with life offline.
Features
Features that respect your community
A calm digital space for conversation, coordination, and updates.
Circles
Create focused spaces for groups, topics, and initiatives within your community.
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Create circles — for groups, committees, and shared interests
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Organize within a shared structure — let circles stand alone or group them within an organization
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Bring membership and overview together — when several subgroups belong in the same community
Newsletters & digests
Keep members informed with curated updates built from the community’s own content.
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Use the community’s own content — posts and events become the basis of each newsletter
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Let an editor curate — select, moderate, and send updates at the right pace
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Offer a calmer rhythm — so more people can stay informed without daily interruptions
Notifications
Granular controls so everyone can follow along on their own terms.
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Adjust each circle separately — so notifications match relevance and involvement
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Choose how you want to stay updated — from instant notifications to grouped updates
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Prevent notification fatigue — with clear and flexible preferences
Our principles
Built on trust, care, and shared responsibility
Zen Social is created as an alternative to digital spaces that primarily reward attention and short-term engagement. We would rather build technology that strengthens relationships, gives users clear choices, and is developed with the good of the community in mind.
Human wellbeing first
The business model should align with the interests of users and communities.
Data with respect
Users should have control over their own data, with open standards and connection to other platforms.
Transparent mechanisms
Algorithms and recommendations should be understandable, and it should be possible to opt out of them.
More inclusive
People should be able to keep up in different ways — including by email and without constant presence.
Long-term design
The platform should remain usable over time, including on older phones and simpler devices.
Community at the center
We prioritize mechanisms that strengthen community and support over individual self-promotion.
Communities already getting started
Zen Social is a new platform already being explored and adopted by communities that want calmer and more human digital spaces.
“We chose Zen Social because we need better and friendlier tools for communicating in our community — without it pulling us away from real life. The fact that the platform is also inclusive for our older members means a lot to us.”
“What appeals to us is that Zen Social is built for communities rather than attention. We have started inviting the first members in and are looking forward to taking the next step together.”
“At our next community meeting, we hope to decide to start using Zen Social for our members. We see it as a strong alternative to META’s solutions and a platform that fits KBHFF and our values well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Zen Social?
- Zen Social is a digital community platform that prioritizes meaningful and authentic interactions over profits. Unlike traditional social media, we don’t use ads, algorithms, or data mining. Our focus is on creating a user-driven experience that supports privacy and genuine connections.
- How does Zen Social differ from other social media platforms?
- Zen Social stands out by not employing algorithms that manipulate content visibility or collect personal data for advertising. Our platform is designed to foster a safe, ad-free environment where users can engage with content and communities based on their genuine interests, not on what a profit-driven model dictates.
- Is Zen Social free to use?
- Zen Social is funded by its users. We offer both free and paid seating options to accommodate a variety of users. Free seats are available on a limited basis, provided through the generosity of our supporters who purchase seats. These supporters help sustain the platform and increase accessibility, ensuring a vibrant and diverse network of interactions for everyone. For those interested in enhancing their experience and contributing to the community's growth, Zen Social offers an affordable Supporter plan. This plan is ideal for individuals committed to reshaping the digital landscape or organizations seeking a more respectful and engaging platform for their members, staff, or customers. By becoming a supporter, you help keep Zen Social accessible and ensure it remains a dynamic space for meaningful interactions.
- How does Zen Social protect user privacy?
- At Zen Social, privacy is our top priority. We do not track, sell, or exploit user data. Our platform is built with the highest standards of security and data protection, ensuring that your activities and personal information remain confidential.
- How can I invite my community to join Zen Social?
- Inviting others to join Zen Social is simple. Once you've created a circle, you can use the 'Invite Members' feature to send them a direct invitation via email or share a unique link through other communication channels.
- Can I customize my feed on Zen Social?
- Yes, Zen Social allows you to customize your feed by choosing the circles or communities you join. This user-driven approach ensures that you see more of what matters to you, without any algorithmic manipulation.
- How does Zen Social handle data security?
- Zen Social employs advanced security measures to protect user data and ensure platform integrity. We use encryption, secure servers, and comply with privacy laws such as GDPR to safeguard your information.
- Can businesses use Zen Social to engage with their audiences?
- Businesses can join Zen Social to engage authentically with their audience through direct interactions in community circles, free from ads and algorithmic biases.
- Why is Zen Social free from ads and algorithms?
- Zen Social is free from ads and algorithms to prioritize user experience and interaction quality, focusing on community and privacy rather than profit.
- How can I get involved in the development of Zen Social?
- Users can get involved in development through our open feedback initiatives, beta testing new features, and participating in community-driven development discussions. Join the "Zen Social Feedback" circle to participate.
Shape the Future of Social Media – Join Zen Social
Be a pioneer in a movement for change. Sign up today and help us build a digital community that truly values its users.