The problem of closed and semi-closed platforms on the internet

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The use of some online platforms to replace traditional websites, forums and blogs, is creating small closed circles within the Internet, whose information is not shared abroad and therefore is destined to be lost. For example, to see what is written on Discord, it is essential to log in and know how to use the application. What is written there does not appear in search engines, nor can it be saved to archive.org. It can’t even be downloaded in html or mhtml format.

Some platforms become so attractive that they make people want to do almost anything on them, even if they were originally only designed for entertainment or casual conversation. This is not a new phenomenon, but apparently began with the arrival of social networks, which as a result created information bubbles.

This article talks about it:

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Of course, this does not mean that it is wrong to use these platforms :slightly_smiling_face:, but rather that for each task or function there are some platforms that are more suitable than others. If, for example, we want to share certain information so that it reaches everyone, it is more appropriate to do so in an easily accessible place that allows direct links to the information.

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I’m glad this is more discussed and acknowledged, because indeed, some platforms are just black holes. Information goes in, but never finds its way to others via search engines or other index means. It’s the death of the human group mind which made the Internet such a powerful tool. Luckily I see more and more Discourse fora pop-up.

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