The internet, once a sanctuary for open minds and free expression, has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. As social media platforms have risen to prominence, the online world has become increasingly focused on visual identity and status markers, rather than the free exchange of ideas.
In the early days of the internet, it was a place where connections were forged through shared passions and intellectual discourse, rather than appearances or social standing. Gender, race, age, and wealth held little sway – what mattered most were the thoughts and words that people contributed. This era of the internet, often referred to as the “golden age,” was a time when the online world felt like a true meritocracy, where anyone could have their voice heard.
The Shift to Visual Identity
However, as forums and chat rooms faded into the background, social media platforms like MySpace and Facebook emerged, bringing with them a renewed emphasis on visual identity. Profile pictures, personal feeds, and virtual rooms transformed online interactions, allowing people to connect with friends and family, and share experiences. While this has undoubtedly brought some benefits, it has also opened the door for biases and prejudices from the offline world to seep into the online space.
Even in the face of this change, there was still room for anonymity and self-expression. Individuals could craft online personas that transcended the limitations of their physical reality, allowing them to explore new facets of their identity or connect with like-minded individuals. But now, with the rise of verification on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter (now X), even this freedom is being curtailed.
The Rise of Verification
Verification, which is ostensibly intended to combat impersonation and ensure authenticity, is creating a new digital hierarchy. The coveted “checkmark” – a symbol of trust – has become a marker of status and influence. Tied to government-issued IDs, driver’s licenses, or passports, this verification process links one’s online presence to their entire offline life, raising concerns about who will get a voice and whose opinions will be amplified.
This situation evokes a sense of unease, as it feels like a subtle takeover – another way to control narratives and maintain the status quo. Some may dismiss these concerns, but it’s simply the “same game going all the time.” And history has shown us that this is a dangerous path to follow.
Lessons from History
Television, once a public forum for diverse voices, gradually became dominated by commercial interests and transformed into a tightly controlled medium. Similarly, the once-vibrant landscape of YouTube, where anyone could create and share content, has now been overshadowed by curated narratives and commercial content, pushing natural, grassroots influencers to the margins of the platform.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we remain vigilant and question the impact of these changes on our opportunities for self-expression, growth, and economic empowerment. Are we truly heading towards a new avenue that mirrors the inequalities of the offline world, or can we strive for a more inclusive and equitable digital future?
The Way Forward
The solution may lie in taking a proactive approach – by creating and controlling our own content while we still can. This means building our own digital presence, independent of the constraints and gatekeepers of major social media platforms. It’s about investing in ourselves, our ideas, and our dreams, and finding new avenues for connection and commerce that aren’t beholden to the whims of tech giants or the tyranny of the checkmark.
One such avenue could be Wealthy Affiliate, a platform that empowers individuals to build their own online businesses and personal brands. By taking the reins of their digital presence, users can create content that matters, connect with like-minded individuals, and potentially even generate income – all while avoiding the pitfalls of the increasingly curated and hierarchical social media landscape.
The need to take action and shape the digital landscape
The battle for visibility on the new internet is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but it’s one that we must confront head-on. We cannot afford to sit idly by and watch the internet lose its potential as a space for true connection and free expression. Instead, we must challenge the “same game” mentality and strive for a future where the digital world truly reflects the diversity and potential of the human experience.
The path forward may not be easy, but the stakes are too high to simply accept the status quo. By taking action, by creating our own spaces for growth and expression, and by championing the values of inclusivity and free speech, we can shape a digital landscape that fulfills the original promise of the internet – a sanctuary for open minds and a platform for the exchange of ideas that transcends the boundaries of the physical world. Let’s build something meaningful. Join me at Wealthy Affiliate.