GoKawiilWired Opinion Piece Argues Current Internet Is Beyond Repair
A Wired opinion piece, shared via Slashdot, argues that the modern internet has become toxic, citing privacy and mental-health lawsuits against Meta and Google, smartphone bans in schools, youth social media restrictions in several countries, and a flood of AI-generated 'slop' content. The author points to Oxford's naming of 'rage bait' as 2025's word of the year as evidence that manipulative, AI-amplified engagement tactics now dominate online spaces.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The piece reflects a growing public and institutional backlash against social media's business model, which could add pressure on platforms already facing legal and regulatory scrutiny over addictive design and harmful content. It also signals mounting unease about generative AI's role in degrading online discourse, which may fuel further calls for regulation of AI content and data center expansion.
- Meta and Google have settled major lawsuits over privacy violations and alleged mental health harms from their platforms.
- Multiple countries and schools are restricting smartphone and social media use among minors.
- Oxford University Press named 'rage bait' its word of the year, citing a tripling in usage tied to AI-driven manipulative content.
Source: tech.slashdot.org, 2026-10-29
Published there as: “'Please Let the Internet Die'”
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