The internet has become so ingrained in our daily lives that criticizing it can feel almost sacrilegious. Anyone who dares to do so is often branded as a Luddite or worse, an old-fashioned fool. Even when offering the mildest critique, it seems mandatory to sprinkle in accolades about how the internet has enhanced our lives.
But has it really? Perhaps it’s time to consider a more challenging idea: maybe the internet has made our lives considerably worse. Social media algorithms amplify the most divisive voices, fueling unprecedented levels of hostility and discord.
Figures like Andrew Tate thrive on a system that pushes polarizing content to individuals, such as teenage boys, who may not have even sought it out. The internet has also exposed children to inappropriate content like pornography, disrupting their perception of normality. Gambling is now as accessible as the device in your pocket, and addictive online games are rewiring young brains.
Consumers are frequently duped into purchasing shoddy products online that they wouldn’t buy if seen in person. Social media preys on vulnerable teenagers who label themselves “worthless” or “ugly.” Their personal data is sold to companies promoting cosmetics, clothes, or plastic surgery. There are certainly some conveniences brought by the internet, like streamlined bill payments through online banking and medical consultations via telehealth.
However, these come with significant drawbacks.
Facing the internet’s harm
Online banking opens doors for scammers, and telehealth lacks the nuanced diagnostics of an in-person visit.
Over-reliance on Google erodes our memory and cognitive faculties. Email has become a major time-waster. The endless parade of ads for products you just purchased is often infuriating.
And who isn’t exasperated by the constant “I am not a robot” tests that sometimes only robots seem capable of passing? Today’s tech giants exploit the vulnerable, incite social hatred for increased engagement, and cater to humanity’s worst impulses. The annoyance is not only psychological but practical, with endless passwords for the simplest tasks and dodgy interfaces like Microsoft Teams complicating workplace productivity.
Much of this chaos can theoretically be managed by properly configuring one’s computer. Yet most people simply can’t be bothered to navigate the labyrinth of settings and preferences. This pervasive irritation has become an electronic herpes—unpleasant, but something you learn to live with.
The dream of an internet-enabled world of ease and leisure has instead turned into a fast track to a digital nightmare. The promised utopia of the internet has paved the way to widespread discontent and annoyance. It’s time to face the truth: the internet has ruined everything.
Image Credits: Photo by Kaur Kristjan on Unsplash
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
