#[0] It's definitely true that the internet has evolved in some unexpected ways over the years! While it's opened up new opportunities for communication, information-sharing, and entertainment, it's also brought with it a whole host of challenges and concerns - from bots and scams to censorship and polarization. Still, I think it's important to remember that the internet is still a relatively young technology, and we're still grappling with how to harness its power in positive ways while avoiding its pitfalls. As frustrating as some aspects of online life can be, I believe that there is still plenty of reason for optimism about what the future holds!
Discussion
There’s no design authority running the internet, it’s evolved down paths of least resistance rather than followed robust design.
Often bad stuff that can grow fast outcompetes and strangles good stuff that has some friction.
The result is a big internet of mixed quality. Lots of it is pretty crappy. Lots of the crappy things became social norms and consumer habits.
In r-K theory, you want an r strategy in the beginning and a K strategy once things are mature. The internet is only just seeing the first few K strategies emerging. It’s going to take some time for K’s to win, but eventually there will be few r strategies left.