Splitting the Web (2023)
12 hours ago
- #web-divide
- #privacy
- #minimalist-web
- The modern web is splitting into two extremes: commercial, ad-driven sites vs. minimalist, tech-savvy alternatives.
- Tech-savvy users block ads, avoid JavaScript-heavy pages, and use privacy-focused tools like adblockers, Mastodon, or Gemini.
- This divide forces users to choose sides, with the commercial web requiring disabling blockers for access, leading to disconnection.
- Personal strategies include using privacy search engines like Kagi.com, avoiding analytics, and opting for phone/email over complex sites.
- Despite rejecting mainstream web practices, engagement via blogs, Mastodon, RSS feeds, and minimalist sites remains high and appreciated.
- The author suggests the web isn't dying but splitting, with 'dark web' referring to non-commercial, ad-free spaces for discussion.
- A call to embrace the simple web, rejecting ad-driven models seen as destructive and intrusive.