The hottest Internet History Substack posts right now

To really understand Internet history, we need to listen to the people who lived it. Written posts alone don't capture the feelings and context behind what was shared.
There's a cultural divide happening with how people use technology, where some feel overwhelmed and want to log off, while others see more positives in staying connected online.
Many current debates about technology and identity show that no one side has all the answers. Both younger and older generations shape how we talk about things like identity politics.

Checkpoints on YouTube started as a digital behavior in the comment section, reflecting user openness and vulnerability.
YouTube comments section acts as a digital 'third place,' where users share semi-anonymously, similar to ancient city walls used for writing.
Checkpoint stories highlight the importance of considering the fragility of digital infrastructures and the need for community memory preservation.

The Pokémon Factory is a fan website that started in 1998, focusing on creating fake Pokémon. It's been a creative place for people to share their ideas and art.
The community has had ups and downs over the years, but it still holds a special place in Pokémon history. Many artists and fans continue to celebrate and contribute to it.
As they approach their 25th anniversary, the site's legacy shows how online communities can inspire creativity and connection among fans.

Articuno Island was a popular Pokémon fan website that ran from 1998 to 2003. It helped connect smaller Pokémon sites and fostered a community for fans to share their passion.
Nintendo announced that it will end online services for the 3DS and Wii U in April 2024, impacting Pokémon games that require internet features. However, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will still work for now.
The internet has changed a lot since the early days of fan sites, with new platforms like Discord making interaction easier. Despite this, the unique charm of personal fan websites is missed by many.

Memories are important, especially for advocates of radical life extension.
Online content is not as permanent as we might think, with examples of lost information even in the pre-internet era.
Efforts can be made to preserve personal and historical information, but concerns about losing online content might be overstated.

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Networking history involves many important figures like Bob Kahn, Vint Cerf, and Tim Berners-Lee.
Packet switching was a key development in the 1960s, leading to the creation of ARPANET.
The Internet's decentralized design and ability to adapt to different networks have influenced its growth over the years.

An art critic reflects on the world of Art Instagram and the intrigue of observing without complete knowledge of the creators.
Efforts to create 'digital smells' are yet to reach the realm of reality despite advancements in sending visual and auditory elements over the internet.
Exploring the history of the internet through various formats like .html, .doc, and .psd that have shaped the online landscape.

The relationship between humans and machines is evolving, as technology gains voices and personalities, raising concerns about transparency and choice.
Internet memes can provide personal insight and catharsis, helping individuals navigate complex aspects of identity.
Tracking the online activity of wealthy individuals' children can reveal hidden assets, a tactic some lawyers use for discovery.

Internet has been facing a constant influx of new users for the past three decades, leading to challenges of online behavior and interactions.
Platforms keep trying to recreate the success of Twitter with new services like Threads and Bluesky, but struggle to avoid the problems of commercialization and user engagement.
In the online world, there is a rush to claim 'land' in feeds akin to historical events like the Land Rush of 1889, highlighting the importance of presence and engagement metrics.