Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet ‘Died’ Five Years Ago

Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet ‘Died’ Five Years Ago

9/4/2021

link

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/08/dead-internet-theory-wrong-but-feels-true/619937/

summary

This article examines the phenomenon of the "Dead Internet Theory," which posits that the internet is dying or becoming less useful due to various factors such as increased surveillance, corporate control, and algorithmic manipulation. The author argues that while there are valid concerns about the state of the internet, the theory itself is flawed and lacks evidence. They suggest that the feeling of the internet's decline may stem from a nostalgia for a perceived golden age and a fear of the unknown future. The article also explores how the internet continues to evolve, providing new opportunities and challenges. Overall, it asserts that the perception of the internet as dying is more reflective of our anxieties rather than objective reality.

tags

internet ꞏ internet culture ꞏ digital age ꞏ online communication ꞏ social media ꞏ internet memes ꞏ technology ꞏ digital platforms ꞏ online experiences ꞏ information age ꞏ online connectivity ꞏ digital society ꞏ internet theories ꞏ internet history ꞏ online communities ꞏ digital world ꞏ online presence ꞏ viral content ꞏ online myths ꞏ digital information ꞏ misinformation ꞏ online rumors ꞏ online nostalgia ꞏ digital speculation ꞏ internet rumors ꞏ internet speculation ꞏ internet folklore ꞏ conspiracy theories ꞏ information overload ꞏ digital dependency ꞏ online behavior ꞏ online psychology ꞏ digital communication