In an era dominated by a few giant tech companies, the internet of today is often seen as a far cry from the vibrant, open, and community-driven space of the past. A recent article by Molly White delves into the nostalgia surrounding the good old days of the internet, exploring the challenges of the current digital landscape and proposing new ways to reclaim the internet’s essence.
The Good Old Days: An Open and Diverse Internet
White harkens back to the early days of the internet, when it was characterized by openness, diversity, and community. Users communicated through ICQ, IRC, or AOL Messenger, shared their interests on phpBB forums, and explored the vast landscape of Geocities websites. The decentralized and non-commercial nature of these networks provided a rich tapestry of expression and genuine interaction.
According to White, a survey she conducted on social media revealed that 60% of people (Twitter) and 42% of people (Mastodon) believe the internet was better when they were under 20. The nostalgia is not just about reminiscing but a genuine longing for the freedom and openness of that time.
The Current Internet: A World of围墙花园
Today, the internet is a very different place. Large platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google dominate the digital landscape, controlling user attention and data through walled gardens. These platforms, while convenient, often prioritize user engagement over genuine information needs, leading to a homogenized experience and a loss of the exploratory fun of the early internet.
The walled gardens of these giant companies make it difficult for users to explore the broader internet. Creators and websites that don’t toe the line of these platforms often face reduced traffic and marginalization. The current state of the internet has led to a landscape where the freedom and creativity of the early days are hard to find.
The Road Ahead: Building a New Digital Garden
Despite the challenges, there is hope. White suggests that we can rebuild a diverse internet space by leveraging the power of personal websites, independent blogs, and decentralized platforms. This digital garden approach allows users to actively seek out content and communities that interest them, rather than being passively fed information by algorithms.
The key to this new digital garden lies in the ability of users to choose where they exist online and to steal content and creativity across different platforms. This ensures the diversity and vibrancy of the internet, fostering a sense of community and freedom.
Embracing the Future
The current state of the internet may not be perfect, but it is not without hope. By embracing new models of content creation and community engagement, we can create a more open and diverse internet that caters to the needs of users and creators alike.
As White concludes, the internet’s boundaries are limitless, and the choices we make in how we utilize it will shape its future. It is up to us to reclaim the essence of the early internet and build a new digital garden that thrives on freedom, creativity, and community.
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