Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Stanford Professor Brian Lowery speaks with Nirav Tolia, co-founder and returning CEO of Nextdoor, about leading a hyperlocal social media platform in divisive times. Tolia explains how Nextdoor focuses on verified neighbors and utility over entertainment, but faces challenges balancing diverse perspectives with civil discourse. The conversation explores how business incentives can amplify controversy, the responsibility platform leaders bear for consequences, and whether financial success can align with positive social impact. Tolia argues platforms must enable disagreement while maintaining civility, using tools like real-name verification and AI-assisted moderation to bring out people's "best selves."
Stanford Professor Brian Lowery speaks with Nirav Tolia, co-founder and returning CEO of Nextdoor, about leading a hyperlocal social media platform in divisive times. Tolia explains how Nextdoor focuses on verified neighbors and utility over entertainment, but faces challenges balancing diverse perspectives with civil discourse. The conversation explores how business incentives can amplify controversy, the responsibility platform leaders bear for consequences, and whether financial success can align with positive social impact. Tolia argues platforms must enable disagreement while maintaining civility, using tools like real-name verification and AI-assisted moderation to bring out people's "best selves."
