About this video

• Video Title: The internet keeps getting worse. Let's talk about why.
• Channel: Jared Henderson
• Speakers: Jared Henderson
• Duration: 00:25:38

Overview

This video explores the reasons behind the perceived decline in the quality of the internet experience. It delves into the concept of "inshitification," a term coined by Cory Doctorow, to explain the lifecycle of online platforms, from their user-friendly beginnings to their eventual decay driven by corporate greed and the prioritization of business interests over user experience. The video also touches upon the increasing prevalence of ads and AI-generated content as contributing factors to this degradation.

Key takeaways

• Platform Lifecycle (Inshitification): Platforms often start by being good to users, then exploit users for business customers, and finally exploit business customers to maximize their own value, leading to their decline.
• Network Effects: Platforms gain value as more users join, creating a sticky environment that makes it difficult for users to leave, even as the platform degrades.
• Shift in Priorities: Platforms transition from prioritizing user experience to serving business customers, resulting in changes like algorithmic feeds and increased advertising.
• The Rise of Ads: Once a fair exchange for free content, ads are now pervasive, even appearing in paid services, diminishing the user experience.
• AI and Bots Degradation: The proliferation of AI-generated content and automated bot activity further pollutes the internet, making it harder to find genuine human-created content.
• Corporate Greed as a Driver: The core reason for the internet's worsening state is identified as corporate greed, leading platforms to extract maximum value, often at the expense of user experience.
• The Need for a Pro-Human Internet: The video advocates for an internet that prioritizes human interaction, learning, and connection, suggesting platforms like Nebula as positive examples of creator-focused online spaces.