It seems to me that in the short period that I've been online, websites have changed. From what I understand, websites have become places to hold and grant access to large amounts of data and information, and their practicality is that this information does not take up physical space.
The internet provided space for any amount of content, unlike books which are limited by size and publisher review. So much content, and varying types of content have composed the internet as a very unique and always changing source of information, where websites could be diverse sources of specific information and media. It has invigorated the idea of freedom of expression, in an open space that is essentially endless in potential.
CONTENT DIVERSITY
Like a manifest destiny, the internet became a new map to be written, where the expanse is infinite and everyone with direct access has the potential to be a part of. The uncharted and unfamiliar has driven people to use such a tool for new means, and because the internet was not restricted, filtered or limited, it has brought out some of the most honest and genuine human subject matter. The internet allowed us to explore the deepest and darkest of human interests, and while some are good and some are bad, nonetheless they say something about human culture and can be of value. Without such openness and diversity, institutions might have rejected the touchy subject matters of the human conditions that may dwell in the expanse of the world wide web. The internet has provided us with new cultural heritage that was unfamiliar to most only decades ago, and of which is entitled to us all.
The internet brings diversity in a form of oneness, an ambiguous place called the world wide web that allows all cultures and people with access, ideally, have access to all other people and their content. A system of global sharing. The internet has made it easier than ever before to contact or collaborate with anyone on any side of the planet without ever meeting in person.
POPULAR CONTENT
As the internet popularizes, becomes the norm, an essential, it has morphed. The way that it changes and alters is different from before. What I remember of the internet was how it provided wide choice, diverse experiences and opinions and of many different sources. The internet now seems to have changed towards condensing and centralizing. Of course the potential for new ideas is still there, it is being stifled by many big players on the web. It is hard not to see some websites as becoming institutionalized, centralized... and restricting.
The way online users are being restricted are both voluntary and unknowingly chosen. There is limit to content on large websites with high demand, and there is limit to content in the way each user circumnavigates the internet and chooses sites. As the internet becomes more essential, less people are venturing towards new sites and content, and instead going to their staple hand of websites. For example what was once socializing over several sites and tools such as instant messenger, emails and chat sites has been taken place by the iconic site called facebook, where anonymity is replaced with an online identity, and your direct communications are with the only people you have decided to talk to. Some find it much easier to do this, but the censorship is caused by the user and the platform.
As these large sites become 'centralized' and more people spend more time on them, they may visit other websites less often, leading to less diversity. The content owners and providers must comb large masses of data, and it is much more practical to condense. There are less changes taking place with the goal to expand, and more to simplify.
There is less hyperlinking, instead content is filtered and presented on a feed or wall. Some of these sites will present content from other websites without ever leaving the page.
FILTER BUBBLES
This is not all bad, but it limits our access to the information out there, and as it becomes a norm, goes unnoticed. Many online users are balanced among a few familiar and routine sites. While some site encourage exploring and links to other sites like Reddit, others do the opposite, discouraging you from leaving their site because they insist they have all that is needed. Sites are bypassing the time-consuming task of exploring content online by categorizing, simplifying, and generalizing. But there is much discovery and value missed. I love the internet as a place to explore and enliven, not something to be presented to me.
There was a TEDtalk episode about personal web filter bubbles that does a great detailed job of explaining how this happens. I suppose this is the hard data and reality we live in and which influences us. If this discussion interests you I suggest you check it out, Eli Pariser on "Filter Bubbles" view-able on Youtube.
The internet has too much content to witness it all, but some sites have began to filter that content, media and information for us. I'm thankful that I at least know of such changes, since they have very real consequences, especially for artists who's lives depend on the diversity of content.