The Internet Kinda Sucks Now

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's disillusionment with the current state of the internet, lamenting the loss of the "fun" and "magical" internet experience of the past. It highlights several key issues that have contributed to the deterioration of the internet, including:

• Pervasive and intrusive advertising
• Websites becoming unusable due to ad clutter and monetization tactics
• Decline in the quality and trustworthiness of search results
• The rise of engagement-driven content and the resulting proliferation of hate, disinformation, and bot-generated content
• The homogenizing effect of algorithms that limit exploration and curiosity
• The increasing prevalence of AI-generated content further muddying the waters of what is real online

The article suggests that these issues are the result of the internet being increasingly controlled by a handful of monopolies and tech companies prioritizing shareholder value over user experience. The author expresses a desire for a "giant reset" and a chance to start over, but acknowledges the unlikelihood of that happening anytime soon.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The internet's decline

1. What are the key issues the author identifies as contributing to the deterioration of the internet experience?

• Pervasive and intrusive advertising
• Websites becoming unusable due to ad clutter and monetization tactics
• Decline in the quality and trustworthiness of search results
• The rise of engagement-driven content and the resulting proliferation of hate, disinformation, and bot-generated content
• The homogenizing effect of algorithms that limit exploration and curiosity
• The increasing prevalence of AI-generated content further muddying the waters of what is real online

2. How does the author describe the shift from the "fun" and "magical" internet of the past to the current state of the internet? The author laments the loss of the sense of joy, curiosity, and intrigue they once felt when using the internet, which has been replaced by a "begrudging realization" that they'll have to "battle to find what [they] need, trudging through ads, paywalls, vitriol, disinformation and more."

3. What does the author suggest is responsible for the deterioration of the internet experience? The author suggests that the internet's deterioration is largely due to it being increasingly controlled by a handful of monopolies and tech companies that prioritize shareholder value over user experience, as they pursue monetization strategies that harm the user experience.

[02] Potential solutions

1. What does the author say about potential solutions to the issues with the current internet? The author states that they don't have any solutions to offer, as the internet is controlled by a handful of monopolies that are resistant to change, and many users are either resistant to change or too deeply entrenched in the current system to want to change it. The author expresses a desire for a "giant reset" and a chance to start over, but acknowledges the unlikelihood of that happening anytime soon.

2. How does the author view the role of users in the deterioration of the internet? The author acknowledges that users are also partly to blame, as they are "complicit" in continuing to use services and platforms that they know are harming the internet experience, either because they don't care or because they are addicted and can't break the cycle.

3. What does the author suggest is needed to improve the state of the internet? The author does not offer any specific solutions, but suggests that what is needed is a "giant reset" and a chance to start over, as the current system is too entrenched and resistant to change.