When Sydney-based tech entrepreneur Jonathan Barouch launched his company in 2011, its product was based on highlighting the prominent role social media was playing in society. Now, like many, he laments social media’s failings, and its destructive stampede across the childhoods of a generation.

Roamz provided a mobile service that let hospitality venues monitor how they were being discussed by nearby consumers. It was predicated on the notion that social media was becoming a vibrant virtual town square, where valuable conversations thrived. Like Roamz’ business plan, that utopian idea didn’t last long.