There Are No Girls on the Internet The Internet Wasn’t Always Run by Villains. Anil Dash Explains What Happened
Aug 26, 2025
Anil Dash, a pioneering voice in tech, discusses the stark contrast between the early, vibrant internet and today’s corporate-dominated landscape. He reflects on the communal spirit of the late 90s and early 2000s, lamenting how it has been overshadowed by billionaire interests. Dash emphasizes the need for a return to a more inclusive and human-centered online space. He encourages the empowerment of individuals through creative projects and open technologies, advocating for a future filled with fun, compassion, and genuine connection.
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Internet Is Built By People
- The internet is made of people, not just giant corporations or billionaire founders.
- Platforms sit on top of work regular folks made and often misrepresent who built the web.
Flickr Removed Location Years Ago
- Flickr removed photo location early to prevent stalking and protect users.
- Yet every few years new apps reintroduce location and relearn the same privacy lesson.
Love Of Tech Shapes Product Quality
- People who truly love tech build thoughtfully and tinker for joy, not just profit.
- Founders who take tech for granted often produce thoughtless, harmful products.