The internet needs a factory reset

The internet needs a factory reset

I've always beat the drum that the BBS is making a comeback because people are going to need a centralized Internet experience. Someplace where you can express yourself without fear of trolls or corporate overlords rifling through your thoughts. Mastodon is sort of scratching that itch, But no system is perfect.

I always fantasized that, while the storm raged outside, like-minded people and I would be safe in our little corner of cyberspace, shielded from the rain.

Lately, I've realized I've been using the wrong analogy. It's not a rainstorm; it's a zombie apocalypse. Once someone joins a site like TikTok, they 'bite' (share, like, subscribe—take your pick) another user, and next thing you know, it's a worldwide epidemic. My little fantasy has shifted from doing our thing in our own corner of cyberspace to barricading the doors and windows, trying to keep the zombies away

I've been on the Internet a long time. 300 baud modems and Hayes commands long time. I like to think I have a little bit of perspective.

AOL and yahoo fell. Myspace ran its course huge monolith like systems have gone the way the dodo even though we thought they'd be around forever.

The Internet is resilient and dare I say self healing. One day old Internet users will be sitting around reminiscing about the days of TikTok and instagram (Snapchat already has one foot out the door).

In the meantime, we need to focus on finding and/or making our own spaces that align with our values. Keep educating and advocating and stay adaptable.

We’ll find our safe spaces again, and the digital landscape will evolve, just as it always has. the tide will turn.

Even in a digital zombie apocalypse.