In a time not too long ago, the internet was a more decentralized and free space. There weren't many social networks, and those that existed didn't trap users within their platforms as they do today. The common internet user often had a personal blog or a GeoCities site (nowadays, there's Neocities.org) where they would experiment with HTML and share their thoughts and creations.
The internet's true power lies in its decentralized nature. In the early days, forums were abundant, covering a wide range of interests from Tolkien and Middle-earth to discussions on communism. People would actively participate, create content, and engage in meaningful dialogues. Today, much of this has been replaced by the monopolistic grip of social media giants, reducing users to mere consumers of content.
Social media platforms have shifted the internet landscape dramatically. The common user is now akin to cattle, generating views and engagement for platforms that profit from advertisements. These corporations collect and sell personal information, turning users into products. The sense of ownership and personal connection to one's online presence has diminished.
Interestingly, even academic environments are not immune to this shift. Students and professors often regard themselves as knowledge deities simply because they have access to Google Scholar. However, the need for a broader, horizontal spread of knowledge remains. The decentralization of the internet should be a grassroots movement, driven by ordinary users learning to create content outside the confines of social media and monopoly sites.
For the younger generation, it's essential to understand that there was a time when the internet fostered creativity and independent content production. People need to relearn how to produce rather than just reproduce and share. Personal websites, blogs, and forums offered unique and personalized content, a stark contrast to today's uniform social media feeds.
We must strive to revive this spirit of the early web. Encouraging users to learn basic HTML and create personal websites can restore a sense of individuality and creativity. Platforms like Neocities offer a fantastic opportunity to reclaim this independence.
Forums were once the heart of online communities, offering spaces for in-depth discussions and the exchange of ideas. Today, forums are almost extinct, with only a few surviving in niche areas like 4chan. Bringing back forums can foster a more engaging and enriching online experience.
The call to action is clear: We need to educate and empower common users to create content beyond the monopolistic sites. Teaching the basics of HTML and web creation, promoting the use of platforms like Neocities, and encouraging participation in forums can decentralize the internet once again.
The internet doesn't have to be a tool for corporations to exploit; it can return to being a canvas for individual expression and a platform for meaningful connections. It's time to take the first steps towards this transformation, starting with each one of us.
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OTO Mundi |
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Cyberborea |
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Thelemic Spiritism |
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Digital Abyss |
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Harisphere |
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Book 93 |
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Ur-oto |
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Thelema |