I like the framing of "cozy apps" - & long time fan of #CalmTech - & do think that is a space between mass scale social and IM's. #Signal
for me is a "Cozy app" via it's group features.
"One possibility is something called cosy media, which refers to apps or other content designed to help you connect with small groups of friends, often in a friendly, calming environment." https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735530-100-social-media-is-dead-heres-what-comes-next/#Echobox=1753469388