South Africa, Feb. 12 -- The next phase of digital growth is being shaped by platforms that understand one thing exceptionally well: communities thrive when they are built around shared values, not just shared experiences.

In South Africa and globally, users are becoming more selective about where they invest their time online. This is not about abandoning technology, but about choosing platforms that reflect who they are and how they live.

Niche platforms are responding by designing experiences that prioritise alignment over reach. Instead of trying to serve everyone, they serve their aligned group well.

One example is Salt, a Christian dating and community app built by Christians and run by a small, focused team. Rather than competin...