While there have been many important events in the telecommunications industry, the most impactful event was the creation of the internet. The modern internet was launched in 1991, and will be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future.[1] Many of us can remember a distant time when the internet was used as a tool for research — yet with the introduction of social media and smart phones, our presence on the planet has been interconnected with our online personas. This permanent connection to the web, with devices surrounding us, has ruined our ability to gather insightful and true information. In a world with too little patience and an abundance of instant gratification, our world has turned to a collection of headlines, images, and social media.
The popularization of the internet is a recent adaptation. Before the rise of technology and connectivity among populations, the internet was used as an isolated tool for research — and one had to actively ‘connect’ to the internet. Today, we are all connected by necessity rather than choice — this change has brought a new era of technology design, falsely oriented toward the user experience. The bulky, information heavy form of the past internet has converted to a sleek design — abundant with short snippets of information. Websites like Reddit, Facebook, and Youtube were recently ‘upgraded’ to a modern design interface whereas previously they were based solely on information gathering.[2][3] In an attempt to include seamless advertisements, these companies have shifted from a traditional web presence to a modern look — a transition which I sincerely loathe.
With the recent changes, companies have stepped head over heels in order to make an extra few dollars by introducing advertisements. Understandably, these companies cannot function without advertisements — yet the constant bombardment of ads is simply the beginning of a much more ominous future. I predict that if the trend of constant digital advertising were to continue, we will see another transition — one from which the users have no say, and in which companies will dominate. User generated content is already used to promote products through sponsorships — and we will soon transition from a user-based internet to a company-based internet.
The recent repeal of net neutrality, among other cases, is a prime example of such a transition. We — the users — are slowly giving companies more control over the internet. With no end to the company-dominated digital industry in sight, I fear that it’s already too late to stop the proverbial airplane from jamming content down our throats.
I encourage you to abhor these abusive, manipulative changes in internet technology with me. I remember a time when it was possible to find user experiences on products without being side- tracked by blatant and false advertising. A decade ago, a simple google search for which cleaning product was the best would lead you to forums with multiple user experiences providing information — today, this same google search will lead you to sponsored advertisements rather than thoroughly researched user experiences. The change from a user-controlled to a company dominated internet can only lead to a grim, advertisement-riddled future. We must make a stand, and return the internet back to the people — as a tool for users, rather than large companies.
