>>Instead we got a lot of tech bro billionaires building social networks that have poisoned discourse and destroyed democracies around the world.
Social networks have provided people with a vast social graph that allows them to assess a vast number of people's credibility, interests, etc, which enables a whole slew of business and social relationships to exist that otherwise could not, everything from personalized cup-cake vendors, to children's school supplies vendors, to clubs for people interested in birdwatching.
All of these kinds of social connections are far easier to create when there's a ready social graph to tap into. But as usual, people take for granted what the prevailing technology provides, and focus only on the harm.
I can’t even fathom why any single human being out there would prefer personalised cupcake vendors over the vision Engelbart outlined, and that you seriously seem to consider this as a value proposition, instilled a deep sadness in me.
Everything social networks, and tech in general, have achieved so far, is driving people further away from each other.
Of course, they existed as categories, but they were able to grow much more using social media. It's much easier to expand such networks with a large-scale social network - that every one always taps into and builds their reputation on - in place.
I personally know numerous people whose business would not be viable without Facebook.
Social networks have provided people with a vast social graph that allows them to assess a vast number of people's credibility, interests, etc, which enables a whole slew of business and social relationships to exist that otherwise could not, everything from personalized cup-cake vendors, to children's school supplies vendors, to clubs for people interested in birdwatching.
All of these kinds of social connections are far easier to create when there's a ready social graph to tap into. But as usual, people take for granted what the prevailing technology provides, and focus only on the harm.