The web is not dying – Manu

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the current state of the web and argues that the web is not dying, despite the "AI chaos" and the potential banning of large platforms like TikTok. The author believes that the web itself is the global town square, and that creative people will continue to create and share content, even if it becomes harder to reach a large audience.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Web is Not Dying

1. What is the author's main argument about the state of the web?

• The author believes the web is not dying, even if the current version of the web is changing.
• The author argues that the web itself is the global town square, and that even if large platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are banned, the web will still exist as a place for people to interact and create.

2. What examples does the author provide to support the idea that the web is not dying?

• The author points to the large number of blogs and websites that exist, with over 2,200 blogs listed on Ooh.directory, over 12,000 entries in the Kagi small web dataset, and over 1,400 sites listed on theforest.link.
• The author argues that there is still plenty of new content being created and shared on the web, and that people will continue to create because they are driven by a passion for creation.

3. What does the author suggest people do to counter the narrative that the web is dying?

• The author encourages people to "start clicking around", be curious, follow random links, search on alternative search engines like Marginalia or Wiby, and create their own content on platforms like Bear Blog or Micro.blog.
• The author also suggests joining a Webring and writing for the IndieWeb Carnival as ways to connect with others and contribute to the web.

[02] The Changing Nature of the Web

1. How does the author view the potential banning of large platforms like TikTok?

• The author acknowledges that the current "TikTok ban (forced sale?) in the US" is making some journalists believe that the internet as a global town square is over if governments start banning these huge platforms.
• However, the author argues that even if these platforms are banned, the web itself will still exist as a global town square where people can interact.

2. What does the author see as the potential benefits of making it harder to reach a large audience?

• The author suggests that "being able to instantly become viral is not a good thing overall" and that "maybe we do want some friction in the system."
• The author implies that this could be a positive thing, as it may lead to more thoughtful and meaningful content creation.

3. How does the author view the impact of AI tools on the web?

• The author acknowledges that "silly AI tools will flood the web with generated crap", but argues that this will not stop creative people from continuing to create content.
• The author believes that "Photographers won't stop taking pictures because Midjourney exists" and "Filmmakers won't stop creating videos because Sora is now available to everyone."