>>18
Your post made me feel incredibly sad and at the same time realizing just how different I truly am from the average person. I have always lived online as I did in the past. I never stopped web exploring as a kid going on 30 years ago. I don't rely on any type of algorithm for anything. Unless you consider it problematic that I do check into things I read on forums and other boards such as these for new content once and a while.
I've curated well over 7000 websites so I never have to use a search engine ever again. I've managed to go without one since sometime in 2015. Not counting fun stuff like wiby and other similar websites. I've been thinking about making a few webrings that people may find useful. I haven't managed a personal page for a little while now. Which is something I believe everyone who uses the internet should do. At least learn how to make a personal page, no matter how simplistic it may turn out. I felt happier when I was managing the few that I had made. Neocities makes this easier than ever for the average person. I go on there once and a while to check out the newer generations creations, I usually end up cracking a smile leaving me happy that there's at least still some out there who understand the fundamentals.
As far as the consumerism approach. I've never used anything like that. I've always relied on web scraping, torrenting, and/or other means of actually having my content downloaded to use whenever I want regardless of being online or offline.
>In 50 years
It's already happening today. It's getting increasingly hard to find physical media even in the thrift shops in my area. It's sad when you have a company like goodwill who would rather post stuff that was donated to them online to attempt to maximize profits eliminating the sole purpose of charity for lower price to people who may need it. Greed as corrupted this world. I'm glad that I push to find physical books for my child instead of some tablet or phone. Which I never will do. I can't mentally comprehend the mindset in giving a young child such devices in the first place. I find myself feeling waves of depression knowing that my child isn't going to have the quality of life as I did growing up. All I can do is really just try my best, make moments that are important, and pass down my knowledge.
>IRC, textboards, and forums of the last things remaining of the internet of the past
That is the truth. I think that's why despite my age I still gravitate to places like these. It's really the only places one can remain free and independent online.