Boring, Boring Internetz
Seems to me that the Internet—the once-proud savior-to-be of all humanity—has fallen into a rut.
Used to be that you could count on something thrilling coming out of the Interwebby-thing almost every day: a fast-breaking story of government corruption and scandal, an hilarious video featuring a cat and a vacuum cleaner, a powerful database that allowed you to get the names and addresses of anyone who’s ever voted in a state election anywhere in the US during the last two decades. And, of course, Simpsonize Me!
Nowadays though, it’s pretty much the same old thing over and over: fashion news about washed-up celebrities, little Flash-based games that keep 10 year-olds from getting dressed and ready for school when they should, and more Youtube videos featuring cats and vacuum cleaners. And, of course, Craigslist.org.
Me, I visit that same half-dozen or so sites and that’s about it: check the New York Times, read three or four blogs by people I know, occasionally, if half-heartedly, look at some random bike parts on Ebay, and visit the .83 forum to read posts from a few folks while studiously avoiding those from others.
I remember thinking, a couple years ago, that it was only a matter of time before the Internet was nothing more than a great big huge J. Crew catalogue; it’s clear to me know that I underestimated the web’s awesome power somewhat, for it’s way more than just that: it’s also a great big Yellow Pages, a massive stack of old videotapes, and the game arcade of a divey bar circa 1983. And, of course, my diary.
One thing that’s become painfully obvious: even though the Internet may be a force for social change and expanded freedom in repressive totalitarian states around the world, here in the industrialized West, it’s mainly a distraction—on the order of People Magazine, WWF Wrestling, American Idol—from stuff that really matters.
And, of course, 327 Words.
Used to be that you could count on something thrilling coming out of the Interwebby-thing almost every day: a fast-breaking story of government corruption and scandal, an hilarious video featuring a cat and a vacuum cleaner, a powerful database that allowed you to get the names and addresses of anyone who’s ever voted in a state election anywhere in the US during the last two decades. And, of course, Simpsonize Me!
Nowadays though, it’s pretty much the same old thing over and over: fashion news about washed-up celebrities, little Flash-based games that keep 10 year-olds from getting dressed and ready for school when they should, and more Youtube videos featuring cats and vacuum cleaners. And, of course, Craigslist.org.
Me, I visit that same half-dozen or so sites and that’s about it: check the New York Times, read three or four blogs by people I know, occasionally, if half-heartedly, look at some random bike parts on Ebay, and visit the .83 forum to read posts from a few folks while studiously avoiding those from others.
I remember thinking, a couple years ago, that it was only a matter of time before the Internet was nothing more than a great big huge J. Crew catalogue; it’s clear to me know that I underestimated the web’s awesome power somewhat, for it’s way more than just that: it’s also a great big Yellow Pages, a massive stack of old videotapes, and the game arcade of a divey bar circa 1983. And, of course, my diary.
One thing that’s become painfully obvious: even though the Internet may be a force for social change and expanded freedom in repressive totalitarian states around the world, here in the industrialized West, it’s mainly a distraction—on the order of People Magazine, WWF Wrestling, American Idol—from stuff that really matters.
And, of course, 327 Words.
posted by Professor Dave at 8:47 AM
2 Comments:
Man, i am in the same boat. i think i am in a rut. i go to the same pages every day. My appetite for something new is too big for my current list of favorites.
there's always porn.
some daze I agree with you wholeheartedly. other days i find realize my surf habits are to blame. i'd be happy to send a couple links your way of things that might be of some interest. in other words, if you'll show me yours, I'll show you mine.
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