We traded blogs for black boxes, now we're paying for it Published on 09/09/2025 --- Summary The internet has shifted from a human-centered, curiosity-driven network to an algorithmic "black hole" dominated by corporate interests, where user agency is lost. This post laments the loss of personal discovery and meaningful engagement on the web, replaced by feeds curated by opaque algorithms designed primarily for maximizing attention and profits. The author highlights key concepts and issues: Context Collapse Social media algorithms collapse many distinct audiences into one generic context. Users become "average internet users," losing individuality. Platforms prioritize engagement and positive metrics over meaningful content. Leads to negativity and poor-quality discourse as diverse audiences react poorly in mixed contexts. Interpretive Communities Stanley Fish’s theory: interpretation depends on community context. Algorithms expose content to irrelevant audiences, resulting in off-topic or disruptive interactions. This dilutes niche and specialized discussions, frustrating genuine engagement. Real-World Example: The Incel Community Algorithms amplified extremist and pseudo-scientific terms through the "Matthew effect" (content that grabs attention performs exponentially better). Poe’s Law explains how ironic or genuine extreme views spread as memes, gaining engagement whether seen as jokes or serious. Packaging extreme views as humor exploited this mechanism, spreading harmful ideas widely. --- What can be done? Use and Support Free (Libre) Software Favor RSS readers to create your own, personal content feeds. Use federated social media platforms promoting free speech and privacy. Prefer Signal for secure messaging, avoid mainstream apps like WhatsApp. Explore F-Droid for free and open-source Android apps. Use GNU/Linux or alternatives like Asahi Linux to escape corporate control. Consider alternative Android OS projects for enhanced privacy and features (e.g., GrapheneOS, /e/OS, LineageOS). Repurpose old hardware into personal cloud servers with tools like CasaOS or YunoHost. Curate Over Engage Start personal blogs to share your authentic voice and interests. Be selective with information; avoid algorithm-driven overload and distractions. Establish attentional filters and set boundaries on consumption. Foster genuine connections by linking to others’ work and interests on your sites to revive the human network on the internet. --- Notable Quotes "The tech stack we use is an endorsement of the companies behind it. Technological platforms are not neutral." "There is no such thing as 'my Substack', there is only your writing, and a forever fight against the world of pure enshittification." "Regardless of the kind of site you have, ... setup a links page ... because it does deserve to be seen, and so do you!" --- Additional Notes Some platforms like YouTube provide options to disable recommendations, but most popular social media enforce algorithmic feeds. Algorithms shape public discourse in ways not reflective of real-life social dynamics, promoting toxicity. Movements and communities can exploit algorithmic tendencies to spread divisive content. Resistance involves adopting open platforms and personalized digital habits. --- By embracing open software, curating content consciously, and rebuilding human connections online, users can reclaim agency over their internet experience and resist "enshittification." This post serves as a thoughtful reflection on the current internet landscape and a guide to fostering a freer, more humane digital world. --- Tags: #algorithm #apps #libresoftware #list #tech #theinternet #en