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The internet is worse than it used to be. How did we get here?

In the early days the internet was a free, egalitarian space for anyone to surf. Now, commercial interests rule – but users do still have some control.

To others, online searches are made up of “ cookie cutter ” pages that drown out useful information and are saturated with scams, spam and content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). This creates filter bubbles, where users are exposed to limited content that reinforces their existing beliefs and biases, and echo chambers where other viewpoints are actively discredited. Before the advent of filter bubbles, the internet was a creative playground where people explored different ideas, discussed varying perspectives, and collaborated with individuals from “outgroups” – those outside their social circles who may hold opposing views.

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