The Future of the Internet Looks Bleak

Image: Badly edited by author

Sorry folks, I’m off on another “doomer” rant again.

I see a lot of people touting how ChatGPT and other generative AI products are going to usher in the next revolution of the Internet.

I call bullshit.

Put aside the fact that the leading companies are losing money hand over mouth and burning through copious amounts of resources. Without that ability to make sustainable returns, there is every chance this current wave of AI will implode, wreaking havoc on its way out.

There’s a bigger issue at play. While they have created useful products, something fundamental is missing.

Connection.

The Internet was once the great connector of the world, allowing almost anyone to communicate with anyone and build and engage with communities of like-minded people who were passionate about a topic, hobby, craft or issue. Yes, that Internet still exists today, but it’s drowned out by the trifecta of infection — algorithms, influencers and advertising — which make the online experience a pretty awful one.

AI products are only going to continue a trend that’s been growing in technology over the last 5 years or so, and that isolationism.

Think about it. What are the two biggest innovations in that time span? The…