Returning to the Independent Internet
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During the process of creating this site, I found that there are many sites and groups working to preserve the independent, human-driven Internet. With corporate ownership and out-of-control AI saturating so much of the web, I feel that it's important for us as users to stop supporting these platforms and get back to what made the Internet so great over 25 years ago. As I said in my first blog post: the old Internet is still there, you just have to look for it!
Here are some steps that I took to cut myself off from the corporate Internet. I highly recommend that you try at least one or more of these if you find yourself depressed, alienated, and frustrated with browsing the modern internet.
- Disconnect from mainstream social media. Log out of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, any form of corporate social media. These sites use algorithms that pump content to you that keep you constantly using them. Not only can this be detrimental to your mental health, but it prevents you from really exploring what the Internet holds. There's a whole worldwide web out there to explore. Why waste your time on those sites?
- Switch browsers. I cut myself off from both Chrome and Edge, and am now using Mozilla Firefox. I chose them because their browser is built completely independent from Google's Chromium, and because of Mozilla's 10 Principles. They're an old-school, non-profit, classic group that is well worth supporting.
- Switch search engines. I set my Firefox to search with DuckDuckGo by default. There are other options, too, such as Mojeek and Brave Search. These search engines will typically show you sites that get buried by Google's sponsored links. Use whatever one feels right to you.
- Use independent search engines! So many of Google's pages are taken up by corporate-sponsored links that bury independent, non-commercial pages deeper and deeper. It can be tricky to find indie sites by using search engines like Google, Bing, or even Yahoo. I've had great luck with two so far:
- Marginalia is an independent search engine that deliberately looks for non-commercial content. It also has a tab specifically for vintage pages, which helps you find so many sites that have just been buried by time.
- Wiby is an independent search engine that aims to recreate the web surfing experience of the old Internet. It collects non-commercial pages made by hobbyists both old and new. You can also submit sites to the database and help it grow.
- Use web directories. A lot of the fun of the old Internet came from having to really dig to find something new and interesting, instead of having content pumped directly to you via algorithms. Curlie.org is the successor to DMOZ, which was once the largest directory online. It is constantly updated by real humans who are working to keep independent content visible.
- Use small forums. Reddit is great for easy access to your interests, but large communities like that don't have the same tight-knit feel of a smaller forum. Search for independent forums focused around what your interest is, and chime in. Smaller groups can lead to some long-lasting connections!
- Use independent hosting sites. Neocities and Nekoweb are two independent hosting platforms that are great for hosting throwback-style personal pages. Each has a Websites section that allows you to browse sites created by other users of the platform. It's an easy way to find some neat stuff. In addition, IndieWeb provides a lot of useful guidelines for starting your own page.
- Get involved! The Internet is a place where anyone can make something, not just big companies or individuals looking to make money. You can express yourself in any way you want in your own personal spaces. Teach yourself basic HTML, register a free site for yourself, and put your creation out there. Find other users with interests similar to you, and make a webring of your sites. Most of all, just have fun with it!
Happy surfing, everyone! I hope to see you around.