infinite scroll Link Rot, Digital Decay & The Internet Archive: Turns Out Digital Content Actually *Doesn't* Last Forever
Jan 24, 2025
Explore the intricate world of digital decay and the importance of preserving our online history. Discover how the Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine play a vital role in combating link rot and safeguarding cultural heritage. Hear about the tragic losses from platforms like Myspace and Vine, emphasizing the fragility of digital content. The discussion also dives into the effects of changing social media moderation on misinformation and how archival tools can promote transparency and accountability in an increasingly fragmented online landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Digital Decay
- Contrary to popular belief, digital content is not permanent, as evidenced by link rot and disappearing websites.
- Archiving efforts like the Internet Archive are crucial for preserving online information.
MySpace Data Loss
- MySpace lost all user content uploaded before 2016 due to a server migration error.
- This incident highlights the risk of data loss on platforms and the need for robust archiving.
Vine Archive
- Vine, after discontinuation, had its content archived on its website, organized by categories and highlights.
- However, this archive is no longer accessible, emphasizing the importance of external archiving services.